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International Agreements.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004

Wednesday, 19 May 2004

Questions (103)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

96 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the extension of the Russian co-operation agreement with all new member states of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14504/04]

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Written answers

The protocol to extend the EU-Russia partnership and co-operation agreement to the ten new EU member states was signed by the European Union and Russia after the first meeting of the EU-Russia permanent partnership council meeting in Luxembourg on 27 April. In my role as President of the Council, I signed the protocol on behalf of the EU.

As the partnership and co-operation agreement is the essential cornerstone of the European Union's relations with Russia, it was essential that this matter was resolved in advance of EU enlargement on 1 May. The Irish Presidency played an important role in the discussions and negotiations which led up to the signing of the protocol. In ensuring that this issue was resolved, we achieved an important Presidency objective in the area of EU-Russia policy. I am very pleased with the outcome.

Now that this issue is resolved, Russia and the EU can both look forward to a productive summit in Moscow on 21 May, and to bringing the EU-Russia strategic partnership to a new level.

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