Chairman's Statement

Meeting of the NATO-Russia Council
at the level of Ministers of Defence

The NATO-Russia Council (NRC) at the level of Defence Ministers met on 14 June in Brussels to discuss defence and military cooperation among NRC member states, as well as current international security issues.

Ministers welcomed the recent ratification of the Partnership for Peace Status of Forces Agreement by the Russian Federal Assembly as an important step toward expanding practical military cooperation.

Ministers reviewed a wide range of existing cooperative initiatives, including preparations for the Russian Federation Navy’s second deployment of naval assets to Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, the extension of the NRC Project for Counter-Narcotics Training of Afghan and Central Asian Personnel, and ongoing military-to-military cooperation.

Ministers endorsed two papers, a report on progress in implementing the Political-Military Guidance for Enhancement of Interoperability Between Forces of Russia and NATO Nations, and an initial concept for a Strategic Vision to guide our increasingly practical and operational cooperation.

Ministers discussed a range of current international security issues, including missile defence and the CFE Treaty.  Ministers reiterated the NRC’s value as a forum for constructive dialogue on issues where there is agreement and for building clarity and understanding where there is disagreement.

Ministers looked forward to upcoming events in St. Petersburg and Moscow to mark the ten-year anniversary of the NATO-Russia Founding Act and the five-year anniversary of the NRC.

 

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