Speech
by
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
at the Meeting of the NATO-Russia Council
In a world where there are so many sources of instability and
anxiety - the Middle East, India/Pakistan to name only two -
this new relationship between Russia and NATO is an act of optimism
and faith in a better, more peaceful future. And it is proof
that statesmanship can lie not just in changing reality but
also in giving expression to a reality that already exists.
In truth, whatever the history of the Cold War and the traditional
suspicions it engendered, the reality today is that Russia,
North America and Europe confront many of the same challenges
and share many of the same goals.
The British people do not fear the Russian people. But both
British and Russians fear the brutality and malice of international
terrorism. Both of us know full well the threat of WMD in the
hands of irresponsible or extremist states. All of us have a
common interest from the Balkans to
Afghanistan in replacing disorder and chaos with order and
stability.
The Russia-NATO Council gives shape to this reality.
But two points amidst the congratulation.
First, this new relationship has to be for real. The table
of 20 means just that. Russia is an equal partner. We need to
change mindsets as well as institutional arrangements.
Second, there is work to do, to follow the vision with substance.
On international terrorism, I make a plea: don't let the passage
of time dim our memory of 11 September. The terrorists may be
on the run in Afghanistan, but the threat remains.
On WMD, this is every bit as potent a threat as international
terrorism. Different situations will require different remedies.
But doing nothing is not an option.
And on defence reform, there is a huge field of potential co-operation.
New threats, new ways of working together, require new methods
of defence.
So there is much to do. But at least now there is the will
to do it. And for that we should be truly thankful.
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