JOINT CANADA-RUSSIA STATEMENT
OF COOPERATION ON ISSUES CONCERNING FEDERALISM
From June 28 through
July 3 this year the Canadian Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and
President of the Privy Council, Mr. Stéphane Dion, made an official visit (on
the invitation of the Russian Ministry of Federalism Affairs, Nationalities and
Migration Policy) to the Russian Federation. During his stay he visited Moscow
and St. Petersburg, took part in the 6th conference of the Russian
Association of Canadian Studies and in a roundtable on "The Russian
experience of federalism and possible models of cooperation", and met with
leading representatives of the Russian government and scientific and social
organizations.
As a result of
wide-ranging discussions on the challenges of federalism, the Canadian and
Russian sides noted that as federal states, Canada and Russia face a range of
similar challenges and intend to intensify cooperative efforts in overcoming
them together. Guided by Article 3 of the Treaty on Concord and Cooperation
between Canada and the Russian Federation of June 19, 1992, they affirm
their intention to deepen cooperation between the Russian Ministry of Federalism
Affairs, Nationalities and Migration Policy and the Canadian Department of
Intergovernmental Affairs on issues of federalism.
The two sides note how
the development of partnership relations between the Provinces and Territories
of Canada and the subjects of the Russian Federation contributes to
strengthening good relations and mutual understanding between Canadians and
Russians, and wish to optimize the participation of provincial/regional,
territorial and local governments, Aboriginal organizations and other
non-governmental organizations in future cooperation in the domain of
federalism. Beyond this, the participants in the discussion noted that the Agreement
on the Principles and Basis for Cooperation Between the Subjects of the Russian
Federation and the Provinces and Territories of Canada, signed during
President Putin’s state visit to Canada in December 2000, provides a sound
basis for the strengthening of mutually beneficial ties between regions.
It was further noted
that for more than a quarter of a century, cooperative efforts in addressing the
common challenges presented by the Arctic region have been one of the most
productive areas in the Canada-Russia relationship. The two sides affirm that
cooperation on issues of federalism will complement the objectives and existing
programs outlined in the Joint Statement by Canada and the Russian Federation
on Cooperation in the Arctic and the North, issued during President Putin’s
state visit to Canada in December 2000.
The two sides confirm
their respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognize
the role of federalism in protecting human rights while preserving diversity.
The two sides affirm
the priority of cooperation on the socio-economic and political-legal aspects of
federalism and the importance of effective federal institutions for national
growth and development.
The Russian Ministry
of Federalism Affairs, Nationalities and Migration Policy and the Canadian
Department for Intergovernmental Affairs approve of the principles of
cooperation on issues concerning federalism as described in the attached
document. In particular, they intend to coordinate work on further
federalism initiatives touching on constitutional/legal aspects, fiscal
federalism, strengthening public services in federal systems, the northern
dimension, and natural resources in federal states.
DONE at Moscow, this 3rd
day of June 2001, in duplicate, in the English, French and Russian languages,
all texts being equally authentic.
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