NATO-Russian
relations undergo a significant transformation when Russia joins
the Partnership for Peace Programme in May 1995 and simultaneously
NATO and Russia institute a more specific programme of dialogue
and cooperation. After preliminary talks in 1996, negotiations conducted
by NATO's Secretary General Solana and Russian Foreign Minister
Primakov in the first five months of 1997 will lead to the signature
of the NATO-Russia Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation
and Security. Signed in Paris at the end of May 1997, the agreement
includes the establishment of a NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council
(PJC) which has since become the principal forum for cooperation
between NATO and the Russian Federation. By October of the same
year, Russia has appointed a permanent military representative to
NATO.
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