Press Statement
27 Feb. 2002

Meeting of the
NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council

The NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC) met at Ambassadorial level on Wednesday, 27 February 2002.

Following a briefing on the meeting of Military Representatives under the auspices of the PJC held on 14 February 2002, Ambassadors discussed the security situation in the Balkans. They addressed the evolving peace process in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1). They exchanged views on NATO-Russia cooperation in the international security presence in Kosovo (KFOR) and reiterated their full commitment to building there a democratic, multiethnic society.

Ambassadors noted the progress achieved to date on the implementation of the task given by Ministers of NATO Allies and Russia in December 2001 to explore and develop, in the coming months, building on the Founding Act new, effective mechanisms for consultation, cooperation, joint decision, and coordinated/joint action in the context of the Ministerial decision to give new impetus and substance to our partnership 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.

Ambassadors also addressed political and defence efforts against proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and their delivery means, including discussions on current risks/threats, and on managing the consequences of NBC use or threat of use and TMD cooperation. They agreed to further intensify cooperation in this area.

The PJC at Ambassadorial level will meet again on 20 March 2002.

  1. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.