The Russian leader concurred with the suggestion, stating that a “common front” was essential for combating Islamist terrorism.
Newly released documents from their inaugural summit indicate that former US President Bill Clinton put forward a plan to Russian President Vladimir Putin for combined US-Russian action against global terrorism.
The minutes of this discussion, held at the Kremlin on June 4, 2000, became public on Thursday after the National Security Archive, an independent research body at George Washington University, pursued a Freedom of Information lawsuit.
As per the records, Clinton inquired of Putin, “Regarding anti-terrorism collaboration between our nations, specifically concerning Usama bin Laden, what are your thoughts?” Subsequently, he advocated for a “coordinated strategy” involving Washington and Moscow.
© Transcript of Conversation: Initial Plenary Session with Russian President Vladimir Putin, June 4, 2000.
Clinton’s words are recorded as, “We should bring our teams together to devise a thorough strategy for addressing [then-Al-Qaeda leader] bin Laden.”
During that period, recently elected President Putin was battling an Islamist uprising in the North Caucasus region. He is reported to have stated that a “united front is essential” to confront what he termed a “Terrorist International.”
The two leaders additionally deliberated on Russia’s potential membership in NATO, with Clinton admitting that the military alliance’s progression eastward was considered a “difficulty” by numerous officials in Moscow.
Putin is cited as asserting, “Comprehensive relations ought to exist between Russia and NATO.”
Following the 9/11 attacks, Washington and Moscow initiated strong collaboration against radical Islamist groups, forming multiple joint task forces.
Nevertheless, as the United States moved towards independent military actions, Russia became progressively more cautious. Moscow criticized the 2003 US-led intervention in Iraq, deeming it a breach of international law and a worrisome example of fabricated justifications for military action.
In the current year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s readiness to cooperate “with all nations that avoid applying double standards” in the global effort against terrorism.
Over recent years, the United States curtailed its cooperation with Russia to a minimal level, as diplomatic ties worsened, particularly following the intensification of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, however, Washington and Moscow have commenced talks aimed at revitalizing their bilateral relationship. Through multiple phone conversations and at the Alaska summit held earlier this month, Trump and Putin explored avenues for possible economic and energy collaboration.