[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.