Agreement

in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement on cooperation in the sea fisheries sector between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2001 to 31 July 2006

A. Letter from the European Community

Sir,

With reference to the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement on cooperation in the sea fisheries sector between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2001 to 31 July 2006, initialled in Brussels on 31 July 2001, I have the honour to inform you that the European Community is prepared to apply the Protocol on a provisional basis with effect from 1 August 2001, pending its entry into force, provided that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is prepared to do the same.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment of the financial consideration specified in Article 2 of the Protocol is paid no later than 31 December 2001, in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol. However, the Community shall do its utmost to act sooner.

I should be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter and confirm that you are in agreement with its contents.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

On behalf of the Council of the European Union

B. Letter from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date, which reads as follows:

"With reference to the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement on cooperation in the sea fisheries sector between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2001 to 31 July 2006, initialled in Brussels on 31 July 2001, I have the honour to inform you that the European Community is prepared to apply the Protocol on a provisional basis with effect from 1 August 2001, pending its entry into force, provided that the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is prepared to do the same.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment of the financial consideration specified in Article 2 of the Protocol is paid no later than 31 December 2001, in accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol. However, the Community shall do its utmost to act sooner.

I should be obliged if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter and confirm that you are in agreement with its contents."

I have the honour to confirm that the above is acceptable to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and that your letter and this letter constitute an agreement in accordance with your proposal.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania