Joint Declaration On Continuing Development of the Special Partnership between Canada and Ukraine
Kyiv, 5 December 2001
Canada and Ukraine,
Confirming that the provisions and principles of the Joint Declaration on Special Partnership between Canada and Ukraine of 31 March 1994 have played a significant positive role and remain valid and in force;
Reaffirming that the secure existence and territorial integrity of an independent, prosperous and sovereign Ukraine is in the fundamental interest of Canada and the entire international community;
Proceeding from the strong adherence of Canada and Ukraine to the principles of democracy and free market economy;
Reaffirming their commitment to the international campaign against terrorism and the need to prevent and suppress terrorist acts;
Confirming their mutual intention and willingness to promote security;
Recognizing the importance of Ukraine's ratification of START-1 and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear country, as recognized by the international community, particularly the UN, steps that have made a valued contribution to the process of nuclear weapons non-proliferation and disarmament;
Welcoming the courageous step Ukraine undertook when it shut down the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant on 15 December 2000 implementing the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G-7 Countries and the Commission of the European Communities and the Government of Ukraine on the Closure of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant of 20 December 1995;
Desiring to enrich special ties that have been established historically between the two countries as a result of the significant role played by Ukrainian Canadians in the development of Canada;
Declare their intent to further deepen cooperation on the basis of special partnership.
With this aim:
a) In the area of political relations:
Ensure a regular political dialogue at the highest levels between the two countries;
Introduce a collaborative process, whereby the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada would consult each year to develop an annual action plan addressing key priorities in the bilateral relationship;
b) In the area of international security:
Commence regular consultations on international security issues between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada;
Implement fully the 12 UN conventions and protocols related to terrorism and enhance coordination of efforts for combating terrorism within bilateral and multilateral fora. Cooperate within bilateral and multilateral fora on initiatives which deal with the close connection between international terrorism and transnational organized crime, illicit drugs, money laundering, illicit arms-trafficking and illegal movement of nuclear, chemical, biological and other potentially deadly materials;
Continue active cooperation in implementing the obligations of the Ottawa Convention, the Framework Arrangement Between the Government of Canada and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on the Destruction of Anti-Personnel Landmines in Ukraine and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the NATO Maintenance and Supply Organization on Logistic Support Cooperation and work towards ratification of the Ottawa Convention as soon as possible;
Continue cooperation in the area of peacekeeping activities and preventive diplomacy within the United Nations Organization, Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe, and also within the framework of the Charter on Distinctive Partnership between Ukraine and NATO and NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme;
c) In the area of economic relations:
Work toward establishing a permanent mechanism within the Ukraine-Canada Intergovernmental Economic Commission (CUIEC) in the periods between its plenary meetings, and develop a practical and effective process to facilitate dispute resolution for investors;
Continue cooperation in the area of Ukraine's fulfillment of its obligations related to its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and establish close cooperation within the WTO after Ukraine gains membership in this international organization;
d) other areas:
Facilitate the development of Canada-Ukraine inter-regional relations through ententes between individual oblasts (regions) of Ukraine and provinces of Canada;
Continue cooperation in the area of technical assistance on the basis of Ukraine's priority needs through Canadian technical assistance projects, in particular: deepening of market reforms, facilitation of democratic development and enhancement of management efficiency, support of reforms in the agricultural sector and, resolving the problems of environmental protection;
Continue cooperation in seeking ways to overcome the consequences of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant catastrophe;
Facilitate and promote direct contacts between their citizens and private organizations, including NGOs and cultural organizations.
| For Ukraine: |
For Canada: |
A. M. Zlenko
Minister of Foreign Affairs
|
John Manley
Minister of Foreign Affairs
|
Kyiv, 5 December 2001
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