CANADA AND RUSSIA STRENGTHEN BILATERAL February 14, 2002 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. - 30 - PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555
Background Canada-Russia Joint Action Plan Canada-Russia Joint Statement on Co-operation in the Field
of Nuclear Energy |
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