Nixon and Brezhnev signed seven agreements during the Moscow visit, including those related to arms control based on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT).
These agreements were significant as they represented a major step towards reducing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The agreements included:
1. Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War: This agreement aimed to reduce the risk of accidental nuclear war by setting up a direct communication link between the US and Soviet leaders.
2. Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty: This treaty limited the deployment of defensive missile systems, thus preventing an arms race in missile defense technology.
3. Interim Agreement on the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (SALT I): This agreement limited the number of strategic nuclear missiles each side could possess.
4. Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology: This agreement facilitated scientific and technological cooperation between the US and the Soviet Union.
5. Agreement on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy: This agreement promoted cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy for civilian purposes.
6. Agreement on Trade Relations: This agreement aimed to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.
7. Cultural Exchange Agreement: This agreement facilitated cultural exchanges between the US and the Soviet Union, promoting understanding and reducing hostility.
These agreements demonstrated a willingness on the part of both leaders to cooperate and work towards peaceful coexistence. However, it is important to note that while they were significant steps, the broader tensions of the Cold War continued to persist.