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CANADA AND RUSSIA STRENGTHEN BILATERAL
PARTNERSHIPS DURING TEAM CANADA VISIT TO MOSCOW
February 14, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien welcomed today a new Canada-Russia Joint Action
Plan to strengthen bilateral cooperation, a joint statement on co-operation in
the field of nuclear energy and the conclusion of negotiations on a customs
cooperation agreement. In addition, Canada will contribute $5 million to support
the process of chemical weapons destruction in Russia. Today’s announcements
followed a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Together with our historic Team Canada 2002 trade mission to Russia,
today’s agreements are firm steps toward a greater partnership with Russia.
The Canada-Russia Action Plan is a concrete indication of our commitment to
bring our relationship with Russia to a new level," said the Prime Minister.
The Canada-Russia Action Plan aims to modernize Canada-Russia relations and
outlines areas where the two countries will work together to strengthen
political, economic and cultural ties. Under the Canada-Russia Statement on
Co-operation in the Field of Nuclear Energy, the two countries have agreed to
start work on a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of
peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Canada and Russia have also concluded negotiations on a customs cooperation
and mutual assistance agreement and will now take the necessary steps to sign
and bring the agreement into force. This agreement will establish a formal and
legal framework for the exchange of intelligence and information to help prevent
and investigate customs offences.
Additional information on the Action Plan and Joint Statement are attached.
Funding for today’s announcement was provided for in the December 2001
federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555
Background
Canada-Russia Joint Action Plan
Canada and Russia have adopted a Joint Action Plan
for an Enhanced Bilateral Partnership to further develop and strengthen
political, economic and cultural ties. The Plan calls for enhanced cooperation
and discussion on key issues and sectors of mutual interest such as foreign
affairs, defence, trade and investment, new technologies, the environment,
social affairs, culture and Arctic and northern issues. The Action Plan also
highlights Canada and Russia’s commitment to advancing Russia’s integration
into the World Trade Organization.
Canada-Russia Joint Statement on Co-operation in the Field
of Nuclear Energy
Canada and Russia have agreed to start work on a
memorandum of understanding on the peaceful use of nuclear energy between the
Ministry of the Russian Federation on Atomic Energy and the Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Both countries have noted potential for
expanded and enhanced collaboration, particularly in areas such as innovative
reactors, nuclear fuel cycles, commercial applications of existing reactors;
radioactive waste management and disposal; and uranium enrichment services.
Canada and Russia have a long history of cooperation in the peaceful use of
nuclear energy under the Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of
Nuclear Energy between the Government of Canada and the Government of the
Russian Federation in force since 1989.
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