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Text: NATO, Russia Reiterate United Stand in Face of Terrorism

(Dec. 18, Brussels: NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council Meeting) (400)
The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council met December 18 in Brussels at
the level of defense ministers. Discussion focused on the Balkans, the
new council that will bring the 19 NATO member states together with
Russia for joint deliberation and action, and cooperation against
terrorism, according to the following NATO press release:
(begin text)
NATO
Brussels
December 18, 2001
Press Statement
NATO-RUSSIA PERMANENT JOINT COUNCIL MEETING AT THE LEVEL OF DEFENCE
MINISTERS HELD IN BRUSSELS ON 18 DECEMBER 2001
The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) met at the level of
Defence Ministers on Tuesday, 18 December 2001 in Brussels. Ministers
fully endorsed the decision of Foreign Ministers on 7 December to give
new impetus and substance to the partnership between NATO Allies and
Russia, with the goal of creating a new council bringing together NATO
member states and Russia to identify and pursue opportunities for
joint action at 20. Ministers committed themselves to enhance their
partnership in the security and military field.
Ministers agreed that they are ready to pursue their cooperative
efforts in combating terrorism following the terrorist attacks against
the United States on 11 September and other terrorist attacks, making
appropriate use of defence and military tools properly coordinated
with civilian instruments. Allies and Russia stand united in face of
this common threat and fully support UN Security Council resolutions
1368 and 1373. They commit themselves to enhance their ability to work
together in areas of common interest and to stand up to new risks and
threats to their security. Ministers agreed to the holding of a
NATO-Russia conference on the military role in combating terrorism in
February 2002. They recognised the importance of defence reform as a
key instrument to ensure adequate military capabilities.
Ministers reviewed the situation in the Balkans and recalled the
importance of their operational cooperation in fostering regional
stability and security. They reaffirmed that their forces deployed in
the region continue to make an essential contribution. They welcomed
the significant progress in their cooperation on search and rescue at
sea and noted the Work Programme for 2002, as well as a general Work
Plan agreed by Military Representatives of the Permanent Joint
Council. Ministers also welcomed the Exchange of Letters to establish
the Military Liaison Mission in Moscow.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)