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<title>JOINT CANADA-RUSSIA STATEMENT MARKING MILESTONES IN BILATERAL RELATIONS</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>June 12, 2002 <em>(9:15 a.m. EDT)</em> No. 66</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>JOINT CANADA-RUSSIA STATEMENT MARKING MILESTONES IN BILATERAL
RELATIONS</strong></font></p>
<p>Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov today issued a joint statement to mark 60
years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of
Concord and Cooperation.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>The joint statement is attached.</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221021142/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>JOINT STATEMENT</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>BY THE MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>OF CANADA AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION</strong></font></p>
<p>Canada and Russia are celebrating two important milestones in their relations: on June 12, 2002, the 60th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations; and on June 19, 2002, the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Concord
and Cooperation.</p>
<p>Having originated from our alliance during World War II, Canadian-Russian relations have passed the test of time and
repeatedly proven their viability. Today, as 60 years ago, Canada and Russia are joining forces to confront global challenges
and threats, particularly those posed by international terrorism, thus making significant contributions to maintaining
international security and stability.</p>
<p>Canadian-Russian relations have reached the level of a mature partnership, characterized by active political dialogue,
dynamic cooperation on a wide range of issues, and the friendly nature of links at all levels.</p>
<p>The December 2000 state visit to Canada of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and the recent visit to
Russia of the Team Canada Mission led by the Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chrétien, provided new dynamics for
fruitful cooperation and outlined key directions of continued joint work to strengthen our diverse and long-term
relationship. Russia and Canada are determined to further develop and intensify bilateral relations, including their trade,
economic and investment dimension, for the benefit of our peoples and countries.</p>
<p>Ottawa, June 12, 2002</p>
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