[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
[November 13, 2001]
[Page 1403]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1403]]


Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on Cooperation 
Against Bioterrorism
November 13, 2001

    At Shanghai, we resolved to enhance cooperation in combating new 
terrorist threats, including those involving weapons of mass 
destruction.
    We agree that, as a key element of our cooperation to counter the 
threat of terrorist use of biological materials, officials and experts 
of the United States and Russia will work together on means for 
countering the threat of bioterrorism, now faced by all nations, and on 
related health measures, including preventive ones, treatment and 
possible consequence management. We will continue to work to enhance the 
security of materials, facilities, expertise, and technologies that can 
be exploited by bioterrorists. We also confirm our strong commitment to 
the 1972 Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production 
and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on 
Their Destruction.
    We have directed all of our officials and experts working on these 
critical matters to expand their cooperation and to consult on 
strengthening related international efforts.

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