IMS Press Release 2000 003 10 May 2000

The 5th Permanent Joint Council in Chiefs of Staff Session met on 10 May 2000 at NATO HQ 1. The 5th Permanent Joint Council in Chiefs of Staff Session met on 10 May 2000 at NATO HQ. It was chaired by General Anatoly KVASHNIN, from Russia, Lieutenant General Henryk SZUMSKI from Poland, and the Chairman of NATO's Military Committee, Admiral Guido VENTURONI. 2. The exchange of views centred on the military situation in the Balkans; NATO's and Russia's strategy and doctrine, as well as on the status and possible future developments of NATO-Russia Military Cooperation. 3. After the meeting, Admiral Guido Venturoni, Chairman of the Military Committee, highlighted the importance of the meeting: 'This 5th meeting of the NATO Chiefs of Staff with the Russian Chief of Staff marks an important step in the continuation of military cooperation between NATO and Russia. On the basis of the NATO-Russia Founding Act, a very fruitful, open-minded and serious exchange of views and information took place on items most important to the further continuation of military cooperation between NATO and Russia. On a personal note, I am pleased to report that, after some interruption, we can continue our common work in such a professional manner. I am prudently optimistic about future developments in NATO-Russia military collaboration. This optimism has also been encouraged by the very professional cooperation and experience shared by our soldiers in further diffusing the situation in Kosovo and in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This has been another day of achievement and a further step towards better understanding in preserving peace and security in Europe.'