OREANDA-NEWS. June 16, 2009. Dmitry Medvedev sent a message of greetings to participants and guests of the fifth Plenary Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism partner nations.

“The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism now involves two-thirds of the planet, and the governments of 75 partner nations are actively working to ensure the safety of four billion people,” the message reads. “The range of people represented at your meeting in The Hague is compelling evidence of its importance.

Today the world community must resolutely join efforts in combating this terrible threat, in addition to strengthening mechanisms for multilateral and bilateral cooperation in the struggle against nuclear terrorism. In the three years since the launch of the Global Initiative, this forum has clearly proved itself to be an effective means of meeting this challenge.

We are pleased to note the commitment of all the partner nations and their contribution to the impressive number of specific activities: exercises, seminars, workshops and conferences. The effect has been to improve both the national and collective capacities of the participants in the Global Initiative to ensure the security of nuclear facilities, control illicit trafficking in nuclear materials, and eliminate the possible consequences of acts of nuclear terrorism. It is also important that this work has helped expand the basis for cooperation between law enforcement agencies and secret services.

Russia reaffirms its adherence to the principles underlying this initiative. We will strive to develop a constructive dialogue and maintain the closest possible cooperation with all countries interested in facing up to this complex and important challenge.”