20071204

Agreement

in the form of an Exchange of Letters on the provisional application of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau for the period 16 June 2007 to 15 June 2011

A. Letter from the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

Sir,

I am delighted that the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and European Community negotiators have been able to reach a consensus on a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the European Community, and on a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution and the Annex thereto.

The result of these negotiations improves on the earlier Agreement and will strengthen our fisheries relations and establish a true framework of partnership in which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and responsible exploitation of fisheries resources in Guinea-Bissau waters. To this end, I would propose launching in parallel the procedures for approval and ratification of the texts of the Agreement, the Protocol and its Annex and Appendices in accordance with the procedures in force in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the European Community and necessary to their entry into force.

In order to avoid interrupting fishing activities by Community vessels in Guinea-Bissau waters, and referring to the Agreement and the Protocol initialled on 23 May 2007 and setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution from 16 June 2007 to 15 June 2011, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau is willing to apply this Agreement and this Protocol provisionally from 16 June 2007 pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 19 of the Agreement, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment of the financial contribution, laid down by Article 2 of the Protocol, must be paid before 30 April 2008.

I should be obliged if you would confirm the European Community's agreement to such provisional application.

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

For the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

B. Letter from the European Community

Sir,

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

"Sir,

I am delighted that the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and European Community negotiators have been able to reach a consensus on a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the European Community, and on a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution and the Annex thereto.

The result of these negotiations improves on the earlier Agreement and will strengthen our fisheries relations and establish a true framework of partnership in which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and responsible exploitation of fisheries resources in Guinea-Bissau waters. To this end, I would propose launching in parallel the procedures for approval and ratification of the texts of the Agreement, the Protocol and its Annex and Appendices in accordance with the procedures in force in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the European Community and necessary to their entry into force.

In order to avoid interrupting fishing activities by Community vessels in Guinea-Bissau waters, and referring to the Agreement and the Protocol initialled on 23 May 2007 and setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution from 16 June 2007 to 15 June 2011, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau is willing to apply this Agreement and this Protocol provisionally from 16 June 2007 pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 19 of the Agreement, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

This is on the understanding that the first instalment of the financial contribution, laid down by Article 2 of the Protocol, must be paid before 30 April 2008.

I should be obliged if you would confirm the European Community's agreement to such provisional application.".

I am pleased to confirm the agreement of the European Community to a provisional application.

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

For the European Community

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