10 April 2003

NATO and Russian parliamentarians meet in St. Petersburg NATO-Russia relations and the global security situation were the key topics discussed at a meeting of NATO and Russian parliamentarians held in St. Petersburg on 10-11 April. The meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Defence and Security, Political, and Science committees with members of the Duma and the Federation Council focused on NATO-Russia cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the effects of the war in Iraq, and the global security environment. “These meetings are a unique opportunity for elected officials from NATO countries and Russia to meet face-to-face,” said Mr Pierre Lellouche, vice president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Senior Russian government and military officials also briefed NATO parliamentarians on key issues, including the Russian perspective on the NATO-Russia Council, the war in Iraq and military reform in Russia. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly brings together parliamentarians from the 19 NATO member countries and 17 partner countries. It provides a forum for international parliamentary dialogue on an array of security, political and economic matters. Its principle objective is to foster mutual understanding among Alliance and partner country parliamentarians, who represent a broad spectrum of political parties. Additional information: Background: NATO-Russia cooperation Website: NATO Parliamentary Assembly