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Advancing Security and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region Fact Sheet, Released by the Bureau of European Affairs U.S. Department of State, October 19, 2000

Under Secretary Pickering gave the keynote address, entitled "Advancing Security and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region," at the 5th Anniversary Stockholm Conference on Baltic Sea Region Security and Cooperation, held on October 19. This annual conference has become an important forum for discussion about the strategic developments occurring in one of the most dynamic areas of the new Europe. The morning sessions focused on Europe's Security and Defense Policy (ESDP/ESDI), NATO's Defense Capabilities Initiative, the evolution of NEI, and the growing importance of the EU's Northern Dimension as Sweden prepares to assume the EU Presidency on January 1, 2001. The afternoon sessions focused on promoting economic growth in Russia and eastern Europe. The conference was co-hosted by the U.S. embassy in Stockholm, the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI), the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE). In his address, Under Secretary Pickering highlighted the U.S. commitment to promoting security, stability, and prosperity in the region and outlined four principles that underlie U.S. engagement. First, the U.S. and Europe continue to need each other; our security is irrevocably intertwined. Second, security goes well beyond the traditional military realm and encompasses social, economic, and cultural integration as well. Third, the door to core Western institutions must remain open to the new democracies of eastern Euope. Fourth, Russia remains a vital part of Europe and must be integrated into Europe's political, securty, and economic architecture. In putting these principles into concrete action in northern Europe, Under Secretary Pickering said the U.S. seeks to make a "tangible, positive difference in the daily lives of ordinary people," particularly in four areas: the environment, public health, law enforcement and organized crime, and the development of civil society. 10/19/00: Under Secretary Pickering, Address at the Conference on Baltic Sea Security and Cooperation (Advancing Security and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region) Website: The 5th Anniversary Stockholm Conference on Baltic Sea Region Security and Cooperation [end of document] Northern European Initiative | Bureau of European Affairs | Department of State