Today's Date:

Kyoto Protocol

Letter from Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

Paris, October 1, 2004

President Putin, [handwritten] Dear Vladimir,

The decision taken today by the government of the Russian Federation to submit the Kyoto Protocol to the Duma with a view to its ratification is a major step forward in the battle joined against climate change.

By paving the way for this Protocol’s entry into force, Russia confirms her determination to shoulder her responsibilities fully as a global player in a matter affecting the future of the whole planet. I’m absolutely delighted by this.

This decision will allow Russia to embark with the other countries which have ratified this Protocol, and particularly with the European Union, on the path of greater economic and technical cooperation and devise a model of sustainable and shared development.

Climate change is scheduled, at the British Prime Minister's initiative, to be one of the priorities of the next G8 summit. I propose that our two countries work closely with the United Kingdom in the run-up to this summit and the next one, which for the first time will be held under Russian presidency, in order to prepare the next steps in the international mobilization on this issue.

(complimentary close)
[Handwritten] With my very best wishes./.