Press Statement 14 May 2002

Press Statement NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council Meeting at the Level of Foreign Ministers Held In Reykjavik on 14 May 2002 The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) met at the level of Foreign Ministers on Tuesday, 14 May 2002 in Reykjavik. Ministers noted with profound satisfaction the successful implementation of their initiative of 7 December 2001 to forge a new relationship between NATO Member States and the Russian Federation. Marking a historic step and building on the NATO-Russia Founding Act, Ministers approved today a document which will allow their Heads of State and Government to decide on the creation of the NATO-Russia Council, where NATO member states and Russia will work as equal partners in areas of common interest. They have submitted this document for adoption and signature by Heads of State and Government of NATO member states and Russia, who will hold the inaugural session of the NATO-Russia Council on 28 May in Rome. Ministers have also approved Rules of Procedure and a Work Programme for the NATO-Russia Council for 2002, effective upon the adoption and signature of the document at the highest political level. Ministers expressed their confidence that the creation of the NATO-Russia Council will elevate NATO-Russia relations to a new quality and make a decisive contribution to the long-standing common goal of building a stable, peaceful and undivided Europe. Ministers also took stock of progress achieved in the framework of the Permanent Joint Council from January to May of this year. They noted a Progress Report on the implementation of the PJC Work Programme for 2002 and expressed their satisfaction with the broad range of issues addressed in the PJC since their last meeting. As an essential contribution of NATO-Russia cooperation to Euro-Atlantic security, and building on the useful exchanges held at PJC meetings at Ambassadorial level, Ministers reviewed the situation in the Balkans. They noted the high degree of common ground achieved through intensive dialogue and the good cooperation between their contingents in theatre. Encouraged by the strong spirit of partnership and cooperation that has evolved in the NATO-Russia relationship Ministers reiterated their determination to intensify further their common struggle against the terrorist threat. They took note of the broad range of initiatives already underway in this area and discussed possible specific measures to take cooperation in combating terrorism forward. They agreed to strengthen cooperation through a multi-faceted approach, including joint assessment of the terrorist threat to the Euro-Atlantic area, focused on specific threats, for example, to Russian and NATO forces, to civilian aircraft, or to critical infrastructure. As an initial step in this regard, they noted the joint NATO-Russia assessment of the terrorist threat to SFOR and KFOR.