MOSCOW. Feb 14 (Interfax-AVN) - A Russian-Canadian top-level meeting will be instrumental in continuing a bilateral dialogue on strategic stability, a high-ranking Kremlin source has told Interfax.
The source pointed to coinciding or similar positions of the two countries on many disarmament issues, which concerns, in particular, ways to toughen the regimes of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This similarity of positions presents a good basis for expanding bilateral cooperation towards improving strategic stability in the world, he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien's official visit to Russia will significantly promote the development of trade- economic investment ties between the two countries, the Kremlin official said. This is exactly why a large delegation arrived in Moscow together with the prime minister, which consists of heads of Canadian provinces and territories and prominent business people. "This is a vivid manifestation of the advancing nature of the Russian-Canadian relationship," he said.
The sides intend to adopt a Russian-Canadian plan of activities along key avenues of bilateral cooperation for the long-term prospect, the source said. The countries are also expected to sign a joint statement on cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy.