Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters

extending for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 the validity of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire on fishing off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire

A. Letter from the Community

Gentlemen,

For the extension of the Protocol currently in force (1 July 2000 to 30 June 2003) setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, and pending the negotiations on the amendments to be made to the Protocol, I have the honour to confirm that we agree to the following interim arrangements:

1. The period of validity of the arrangements applicable over the last three years will be extended for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

The Community's financial contribution under the interim arrangements will be equal to the annual amount provided for in Article 3 of the Protocol currently in force. This financial contribution will be paid by 31 December 2003. Payment for the targeted measures specified in Articles 3 and 4 will be made once the relevant conditions provided for in Article 4 of the Protocol have been fulfilled.

2. During the interim period, fishing licences will be granted within the limits applicable under Article 1 of the Protocol currently in force, against payment of fees or advances equal to those set out in point 1 of the Annex to the Protocol.

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

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

On behalf of the Council of the European Union

B. Letter from the Government of Côte d'Ivoire

Gentlemen,

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

"For the extension of the Protocol currently in force (1 July 2000 to 30 June 2003) setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Government of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, and pending the negotiations on the amendments to be made to the Protocol, I have the honour to confirm that we agree to the following interim arrangements:

1. The period of validity of the arrangements applicable over the last three years will be extended for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

The Community's financial contribution under the interim arrangements will be equal to the annual amount provided for in Article 3 of the Protocol currently in force. This financial contribution will be paid by 31 December 2003. Payment for the targeted measures specified in Articles 3 and 4 will be made once the relevant conditions provided for in Article 4 of the Protocol have been fulfilled.

2. During the interim period, fishing licences will be granted within the limits applicable under Article 1 of the Protocol currently in force, against payment of fees or advances equal to those set out in point 1 of the Annex to the Protocol.

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 Côte d'Ivoire and that your letter and this letter constitute an agreement in accordance with your proposal.

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

For the Government of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire