Bush and Putin to enhance nuclear security cooperation
Photo: Reuters
U.S, Russia agree on nuke security
Both leaders agree to counter terrorist threats and cooperate to enhance nuclear security; discuss Russia's entry into WTO
BRATISLAVA - The United States and Russia have agreed to enhance nuclear security cooperation and to try to complete negotiations on Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) this year.
In a joint statement issued by President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday, the two leaders said the goal of the agreement was to "counter the evolving terrorist threats".
They also said they had instructed their trade ministers to accelerate bilateral negotiations to complete talks on Russia's entry into the WTO this year.
We will work to identify areas for progress in our bilateral negotiations that will give momentum to Russia's accession to the WTO and to Russia's economic reform program, the leaders said.
They vowed to work together on international measures to protect nuclear material and to share information on how to best improve security at nuclear facilities.
The leaders talked about building on earlier work, and announced their intention to expand and deepen cooperation on nuclear security with the goal of enhancing the security of nuclear facilities in the two countries.
Nuclear security workshop
They said they would convene this year a senior-level nuclear security workshop to foster disciplined, well-trained and responsible custodians and security personnel and well-maintained security systems.
They would also continue to work jointly to develop low-enriched uranium fuel for use in any U.S.- and Russian-designed research reactors in third countries now using high-enriched uranium fuel.
The leaders said they recognized that the terrorist threat is both long-term and constantly evolving. In 2008 thier countries would assess joint projects and identify avenues for future cooperation.
