March 28, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Canada has ratified a set of protocols that will permit Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to become members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

"Canada is pleased to be the first country to ratify these agreements as we have been among the strongest proponents for what will be the most robust enlargement in NATO’s history. This will be an important step forward for the Alliance," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Collectively, these seven countries bring to NATO additional capabilities, extended geographical reach and greater security for the future."

Canada’s ratification follows the commitment made by NATO Heads of State at the November 2002 Prague Summit to help these seven countries prepare for membership. These countries will play an important role in NATO’s adaptation to the new global security environment and in promoting stability in the Euro-Atlantic region. At the Summit, NATO leaders stated that the door remains open to European democracies able to assume the responsibilities of membership.

The signing ceremony took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on March 26. All 19 NATO members must ratify the protocols, while the prospective new members take the necessary legal steps to formally join the Alliance. A NATO Summit will be held in May 2004 to welcome the seven countries into the Alliance.

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