May 24, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will attend a summit of Russia and NATO leaders in Rome, Italy on May 28, during which the new NATO-Russia Council will be launched. Topics to be discussed include the struggle against terrorism, crisis management, non-proliferation, arms control and confidence-building measures.

"The establishment of the NATO-Russia Council is an important step in building a strong and cooperative relationship with Russia. It is an equally important recognition of Russia's contribution to international security and of the positive political and economic reforms they have undertaken," said the Prime Minister. "The Council ushers in a new era in Euro-Atlantic security and will provide a real forum for joint dialogue on security issues. Canada has been a leading advocate of the NATO-Russia Council at 20 and we are extremely pleased this format is now a reality."

This will be the first meeting of the NATO-Russia Council. NATO heads of state and government have met on one other occasion since the 1999 Washington Summit. The next NATO Summit will be held in Prague in November 2002.

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