Agreed Statement to the Press

Following the First Meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council on 18 July 1997

The first organizational meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council took place today setting in place the mechanism for consultation and cooperation foreseen in the NATO-Russia Founding Act, signed on 27 May 1997 in Paris.

At the meeting the organizational arrangements and rules of procedure for the Permanent Joint Council were formally adopted. The meeting also agreed on the work schedule leading up to the first Ministerial meeting of the Permanent Joint Council planned for the second half of September in New York.

The next meeting of the Joint Council is scheduled for 11 September.

All participants welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council and expressed their determination to continue the work in a positive spirit.

For further information please contact NATO Press and Media Service in Brussels, Tel: + 32-2 707.50.41; Fax: + 32-2 707.50.57.