    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 13, 2001]
    [Pages 1399-1400]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on a New
    Relationship Between the United States and Russia
    November 13, 2001

        Our countries are embarked on a new relationship for the 21st
    century, founded on a commitment to the values of democracy, the free
    market, and the rule of law. The United States and Russia have overcome
    the legacy of the Cold War. Neither country regards the other as an
    enemy or threat. Aware of our responsibility to contribute to
    international security, we are determined to work together, and with
    other nations and international organizations, including the United
    Nations, to promote security, economic well-being, and a peaceful,
    prosperous, free world.
        We affirm our determination to meet the threats to peace in the 21st
    century. Among these threats are terrorism, the new horror of which was
    vividly demonstrated by the evil crimes of September 11, proliferation
    of weapons of mass destruction, militant nationalism, ethnic and
    religious intolerance, and regional instability. These threats endanger
    the security of both countries and the world at large. Dealing with
    these challenges calls for the creation of a new strategic framework to
    ensure the mutual security of the United States and Russia, and the
    world community.
        We have agreed that the current levels of our nuclear forces do not
    reflect the strategic realities of today. Therefore, we have confirmed
    our respective commitments to implement substantial reductions in
    strategic offensive weapons. On strategic defenses and the ABM Treaty,
    we have agreed, in light of the changing global security environment, to
    continue consultations within the broad framework of the new strategic
    relationship. On nonproliferation matters, we reaffirm our mutual
    commitment to the Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions, and
    endorse efforts to strengthen the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Both
    sides agree that urgent attention must continue to be given to improving
    the physical protection and accounting of nuclear materials of all
    possessor states, and preventing illicit nuclear trafficking.
        We support the building of a European-Atlantic community whole,
    free, and at peace, excluding no one, and respecting the independence,
    sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. To this end, the
    United States and Russia will work, together with NATO and other NATO
    members, to improve, strengthen, and enhance the relationship between
    NATO and Russia, with a view to developing new, effective mechanisms for
    consultation, cooperation, joint decision, and coordinated/joint action.
    We believe that these mechanisms should reflect the fact that the
    members of NATO and Russia are increasingly allied against terrorism,
    regional instability and other contemporary threats, and that the NATO-
    Russia relationship should therefore evolve

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    accordingly. We will also work to strengthen our cooperation in OSCE as
    a broadly representative, inclusive organization for conducting
    consultations, taking decisions, and working together in the region.
        We recognize a market economy, the freedom of economic choice and an
    open democratic society as the most effective means to provide for the
    welfare of our citizens. The United States and Russia will cooperate,
    including through the support of direct contacts between the business
    communities of our countries, to advance U.S.-Russian economic, trade,
    and investment relations. The achievement of these goals requires the
    removal of legislative and administrative barriers, a transparent,
    predictable investment climate, the rule of law, and market-based
    economic reforms. To this end, it is important to reduce bureaucratic
    constraints on the economy and to combat economic crime and corruption.
        Reaffirming our commitment to advance common values, the United
    States and Russia will continue to work together to protect and advance
    human rights, tolerance, religious freedom, free speech and independent
    media, economic opportunity, and the rule of law. In keeping with these
    commitments, we welcome the initiative of Russian and American media
    executives, journalists, and independent organizations to convene a
    ``Russian-American Media Entrepreneurship Dialogue.'' We will promote
    intense people-to-people exchanges as an important factor for enhancing
    mutual understanding between the American and Russian peoples. We pledge
    ourselves to the principles and values that represent the best
    traditions of both our nations, and to cooperation in order to realize
    them now and in the future.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.