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.
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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