MOSCOW, June 17 (RIA Novosti) - The presidents of Russia and the United States issued a joint address on Tuesday to participants of the fourth meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, underway in Madrid.

The three-day political meeting involving 71 partner states of the Global Initiative was launched in Madrid on June 16.

"We are pleased to be working closely together with our Global Initiative Partners to combat nuclear terrorism. That so many nations have joined the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism demonstrates a true commitment to defeat this threat to our peace and security," the statement said.

Russia and the United States announced the launch of the Global Initiative on July 15, 2006.

With Malta and Ireland recently joining the Global Initiative, all EU member states are now partners in the program.

"Gathering as partners in Madrid is an important reminder to one another of the commitments we have to each of our citizens to see clearly the concrete steps we can take together to prevent nuclear terrorism and ensure our peace and security," the two presidents said.