Framework Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama - Exchange of letters on maritime transport - Unilateral Declarations
Date: 1993-02-22
Institutions: Costa Rica, El Salvador, European Community, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Subjects: Central America, agreement (EU), cooperation agreement, framework agreement

12. 3. 1999

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FRAMEWORK COOPERATION AGREEMENT

between the European Economic Community and the Republics of Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

of the one part,

THE GOVERNMENTS OF COSTA RICA, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, NICARAGUA
AND PANAMA,

of the other part,

CONSIDERING the traditional links of friendship between the Member States of the European Economic
Community (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Community') and the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama (hereinafter referred to as ‘Central America'), which over the
past nine years have benefited from the institution of a productive political dialogue and economic coopera-
tion that it is important to consolidate,

RECALLING the significant contribution made to Central America by the implementation of the Coopera-
tion Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 12 November 1985 and of the final communiqu(cid:130)s issued at
ministerial meetings between the Community and Central America,

REAFFIRMING their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, the precepts of inter-
national law, democratic values and respect for human rights, and stressing the importance of the Resolution
adopted by the Council and the Member States of the Community on 28 November 1991 on human rights,
democracy and development,

HIGHLIGHTING the progress made as regards peace and democracy in the Central American countries
through the process of dialogue and national reconciliation instigated in the region, and emphasizing also the
significant efforts made as regards respect for human rights,

RECOGNIZING that development is a fundamental condition for the consolidation of peace and democracy,
and a basic requirement for the promotion of the economic and social rights of the Central American peoples,

RECOGNIZING the importance attached by the Community to the development of trade and economic
cooperation with developing countries, and mindful of its guidelines and resolutions concerning cooperation
with Asian and Latin American developing countries,

MINDFUL of the positive effects of the process of modernization, economic reform and trade liberalization
introduced by the Central American governments, and of the need to accompany these reforms with the
the population, and convinced that
promotion of social rights in the most disadvantaged sectors of
Community cooperation has a significant part to play in the eradication of the problems of extreme poverty
afflicting the region,

AWARE of the importance of helping Central America become more fully integrated into the world
economy,

CONVINCED of the importance of free international trade, the principles of the multilateral trade system,
greater investment and respect for intellectual property rights,

EMPHASIZING the particular importance the parties attach to greater protection of the environment and to
the objective of sustainable development,

MINDFUL of the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation in the struggle to confront the
problems caused by, and related to, drugs,

AWARE of the need to reaffirm the importance of the role of women as a key element in the development
process,

HIGHLIGHTING the progress made by the Sistema de la Integraci(cid:155)n Centroamericana (SICA — Central
American Integration System) owing to the changes in the Charter of the Organizaci(cid:155)n de Estados Centro-
americanos (ODECA — Organization of Central American States) introduced by the Tegucigalpa Protocol,
and recognizing that Central America is a region made up of developing countries,

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CONVINCED of the need to institute a new phase of co-operation between the two regions, in line with the
conclusions of the San Jos(cid:130) VIII Ministerial Conference, and recognizing that the fundamental objective of
the Agreement is to consolidate, deepen and diversify relations between the two parties,

HAVE DECIDED to conclude this Agreement and to this end have designated as their plenipotentiaries:

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES:

Niels Helveg PETERSEN,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark,
President-in-Office of the Council of the European Communities;

Manuel MARIN,
Member of the Commission of the European Communities;

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF COSTA RICA:

Bernd H. NIEHAUS QUESADA,
Foreign Secretary;

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR:

Dr Jos(cid:130) M. PACAS CASTRO,
Foreign Secretary;

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA:

Gonzalo MENENDEZ PARK,
Foreign Secretary;

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS:

Mario CARIAS ZAPATA,
Foreign Secretary;

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA:

Ernesto LEAL,
Foreign Secretary;

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA:

Julio LINARES,
Foreign Secretary;

WHO, having exchanged their full powers, found in good and due form,

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

promote the intensification and consolidation of
Central American Integration System.

the

Democratic basis for cooperation

Cooperation ties between the Community and Central
America and this Agreement in its entirety shall be based
on respect for democratic principles and human rights,
which inspire the domestic and external policies of both
the Community and Central America and which consti-
tute an essential component of this Agreement.

Article 2

Strengthening of cooperation

The Contracting Parties undertake to strengthen and
diversify their cooperation in all areas of common
interest, particularly the economic, financial, commercial,
social, science and technology and environmental sectors,
bearing in mind the lesser degree of development of the
Central American countries. They also undertake to

In view of the special status of the Central American
countries as developing countries, the Community shall
implement this cooperation in the manner most favour-
able to those countries.

Article 3

Economic cooperation

1.
The Contracting Parties, taking into account their
mutual interest and medium- and long-term economic
objectives, undertake to establish economic cooperation
of the widest possible scope, from which no field of
activity is excluded in principle. The aims of such co-
operation shall be in particular to:

(a) strengthen and diversify generally their economic

links;

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(b) contribute to the sustainable development of their
economies and raising their respective standards of
living, with due regard for the protection of the envir-
onment;

(c) encourage the expansion of

trade with a view to
promoting diversification, opening up new markets
and improving access to them;

(d) encourage the flow of
protection of investment;

investment and reinforce

(e) encourage transfers of technology and co-operation
among firms, particularly small businesses, consoli-
dating the scientific base and stimulating the innova-
tory skills of both parties;

(f) establish conditions conducive to job creation and

improved productivity;

(j)

technical
animal health;

regulations on health, plant health and

(k) consolidation of

regional
organizations and agencies;

economic

cooperation

(l)

regional development and frontier integration.

3.
In the interests of attaining the objectives of
economic cooperation, the Contracting Parties shall, each
in accordance with its laws, endeavour to promote activ-
ities including the following:

(a) provision of technical assistance, notably by seconding
consultants and carrying out specific studies in the
designated fields of cooperation;

(b) creation of joint ventures, licensing agreements, tech-
subcontracting, and

nological know-how transfers,
other such activities;

(g) encourage measures promoting rural development and

the improvement of urban living conditions;

(c)

(h) support the efforts of the Central American countries
to set in train policies designed to modernise and
develop the agricultural and industrial sectors;

(i)

support the Central American integration process;

(j) exchange information on statistics and methodology.

the Contracting Parties shall,

2. Without excluding any area of activity from the
outset,
in their mutual
interest and with regard to their respective competences
and capacities, determine by common agreement
the
spheres to be covered by economic cooperation. Coopera-
tion shall centre particularly on the following:

(a) modernisation of

the productive sectors (industry,
agro-industry, agriculture, livestock farming, fisheries,
fish farming, mining, forestry);

(b) energy planning and efficient use of energy;

(c) management and protection of natural resources and

the environment;

(d) technology transfers;

(e) science and technology;

increased contacts between the two Parties’ busi-
nessmen through conferences, seminars,
trade and
industry missions designed to boost trade and invest-
ment flows, trade talks and general and specialised
trade fairs;

(d)

joint participation of Community firms in fairs and
exhibitions held in Central American countries, and
vice-versa;

(e) technical

and

scientific

research projects

and

exchanges of experts;

(f) exchanges of

information concerning the areas of
cooperation covered by this Agreement, notably as
regards access to existing or future databases;

(g) setting up of business networks, particularly in the

industrial sector.

Article 4

Most-favoured-nation treatment

The Contracting Parties shall grant each other most-
favoured-nation treatment in trade, in accordance with
the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

(f)

intellectual property,

including industrial property;

Article 5

(g) standards and quality criteria;

(h) services, including financial services, tourism, trans-
port, telecommunications, telematics and information
technology;

(i) exchanges of information on monetary matters and
the harmonisation of macro-economic policies with a
view to strengthening regional integration;

Development of trade cooperation

1.
The Contracting Parties undertake to develop and
broaden trade to the highest possible degree, taking into
account the economic situation of each of the Parties and
facilitating trade transactions between them as far as
possible.

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To that end, the Parties shall endeavour to find
2.
methods of
reducing and eliminating the obstacles
hindering the development of trade, notably non-tariff
barriers, taking account of work already accomplished in
this field by international organisations.

the small and medium-sized enterprises of both parties
designed to facilitate the access of such enterprises to
sources of capital, markets and appropriate technology,
and also fostering joint ventures.

3.
The Contracting Parties shall, where appropriate,
assess the possibility of setting up mutual consultation
procedures.

Article 6

Means of achieving cooperation in trade

In the interests of bringing about more active cooperation
in trade,
take measures
aimed at:

the Contracting Parties shall

— promoting meetings, exchanges and contacts between
business people from each of the Parties, with the aim
of identifying goods suitable for sale on the market of
the other Party,

— facilitating

cooperation

customs
services, in particular as regards vocational training,
the simplification of procedures and the detection of
customs offences,

between

their

— encouraging and supporting trade promotion activities
such as seminars, symposia, trade and industrial fairs
and exhibitions, trade and other visits, business weeks,
market studies and other activities,

— providing support

for their own organisations and
firms, to enable them to engage in activities which are
of benefit to both sides,

— making allowance for each other’s

interests with
semi-
regard to market access
finished and manufactured goods and with regard to
the stabilisation of world commodity markets,
in
accordance with the aims agreed within the appro-
priate international organisations,

for commodities,

2.
To that end, within the limits of their responsibil-
ities, the Parties shall encourage projects and operations
promoting:

— the consolidation and extension of

the networks

established for the purposes of cooperation;

— the broad use of Community promotional instruments
such as ‘European Community Investment Partners'
(ECIP), inter alia,
through greater use of Central
American financial institutions;

— cooperation between firms, such as joint ventures,
licensing,

transfers of

technology,

subcontracting,
applied research and franchising.

Article 8

Investment

1.

The Contracting Parties agree:

— to promote, so far as their powers, rules and regula-
tions and policies permit, an increase in mutually
beneficial investment,

— to endeavour to improve the climate for such invest-
ment by encouraging investment promotion and
protection agreements between the Community’s
Member States and the Central American countries.

In pursuit of

these objectives,

2.
the Contracting
parties agree to take measures to help promote and attract
investment, with a view to identifying new opportunities
for such investment and encouraging the implementation
thereof.

— examining ways and means of facilitating trade and
eliminating barriers to trade, taking into consideration
the work of international organisations.

These measures shall include:

(a) seminars, exhibitions and business missions;

(b) training businessmen with a view to setting up invest-

ment projects;

Article 7

(c) technical assistance for joint investment;

Industrial cooperation

(d) measures under the European Community Investment

Partners (ECIP) programme.

The Contracting Parties shall promote the expan-
1.
sion and diversification of the Central American coun-
tries’ production base in the industrial and service sectors,
particularly encouraging cooperation activities involving

Cooperation in this field may involve public, private,
3.
national or multilateral bodies, including regional finan-
cial
from both Central America and the
Community.

institutions,

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Article 9

Cooperation between financial institutions

The Contracting Parties
to foster,
according to their needs and within the framework of
their respective programmes and legislation, cooperation
between financial institutions in the form of:

endeavour

shall

— exchanges of information and experience in fields of
interest (inter alia, by means of seminars,

mutual
conferences and workshops),

— exchanges of consultants,

— technical assistance,

— protection and improvement of

the environment,
particularly the protection and renewal of rainforest
and borderline agricultural areas,

— renewable energy and rational use of natural resources,

— tropical agriculture, agro-industry and fisheries,

— health, nutrition and social welfare in general, and

tropical diseases in particular,

— areas such as housing, urban development, planning
and development, transport and communications,

— regional integration and cooperation in science and

technology,

— biotechnology applied to medicine and agriculture,

— exchanges of information in the fields of statistics and

— taxonomic studies of

leading to the creation of a biological
applications
agriculture
in medicine,
sectors.

indigenous flora and fauna,
index with
and other

methodology.

Article 10

Cooperation in science and technology

1.
In accordance with their mutual interest and the
aims of their policies on science, the Contracting Parties
undertake to promote cooperation in science and tech-
nology aimed in particular at:

— encouraging exchanges of Community and Central

American scientists,

— establishing closer links between their scientific and
technological communities, with particular reference
to existing research centres on both sides,

— promoting mutually beneficial transfers of technology,

— implementing measures with a view to achieving the
goals of research programmes that are of interest to
both regions,

— building up the research capacity of

the Central
involving
American countries, promoting projects
scientific and technical research centres and stimu-
lating technical and applied research,

— creating opportunities for economic,

industrial and

trade cooperation.

2. Without excluding any sector from the outset, the
Parties agree that they shall jointly identify the areas for
developing their scientific and technological cooperation,
taking into account the development needs of the Central
American productive sectors.

These areas shall include:

— development and management of science and tech-

nology policies,

3.
the
In order to achieve their chosen objectives,
Contracting Parties shall encourage and foster measures
including:

— joint scientific and technological research projects
involving private and public sector research centres
and other qualified institutions on both sides,

— training at the appropriate level for Central American
research and development professionals, notably
through seminars, courses and conferences in Euro-
pean centres, exchanges of experts and technicians,
awards for specialist studies and in-house training.

— exchanges of scientific information, through the joint
organisation of seminars, workshops, working meet-
ings and conferences attended by top-level scientists
from both Contracting Parties,

— distribution of scientific and technological informa-

tion and know-how.

Article 11

Cooperation in standards

Without prejudice to their
international obligations,
within the scope of their responsibilities, and in accord-
ance with their laws, the Contracting Parties shall take
steps to reduce differences in respect of weights and
measures, standardisation and certification by promoting
the use of compatible systems of standards and certi-
fication. To that end, they shall encourage the following
in particular:

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— links between experts and technical assistance to facil-
itate exchanges of information and studies on weights
and measures, standards, quality control, promotion
and certification, and to promote the development of
technical assistance in this field,

— exchanges and contacts between bodies and institu-

tions specializing in these fields,

— measures aimed at achieving mutual recognition of

systems and quality certification,

— consultations in the fields concerned.

Article 12

Intellectual and industrial property

The Contracting Parties undertake, in line with their
1.
respective legislation, regulations and policies to provide
suitable and effective protection for
intellectual and
industrial property rights, including geographical designa-
tions and marks of origin, and upgrading that protection
where appropriate.

The Central American countries shall,

2.
insofar as
they are able, subscribe to the international conventions
on intellectual and industrial property.

Article 14

Energy cooperation

The Contracting Parties recognise the importance of the
energy sector for economic and social development, and
are prepared to step up their cooperation in this field,
notably as regards planning, conservation, the efficient
use of energy, and the search for new sources of energy.
This improved cooperation will also take environmental
implications into consideration.

To these ends, the Parties agree to promote:

— joint studies and research,

— assessment of

the potential of alternative energy
sources and the use of energy-saving technology in
manufacturing processes,

— ongoing contacts between energy planners,

— the execution of joint programmes and projects in this

field.

Article 15

Transport cooperation

Recognizing the importance of transport for economic
the
development
Contracting Parties shall adopt the necessary measures to
implement cooperation in respect of all types of transport.

intensification of

and the

trade,

Article 13

Mining cooperation

The Contracting Parties agree to promote cooperation to
develop the mining sector, with due regard for the envir-
onmental issues involved.

Cooperation shall centre on the following:

— exchanges of information on the Parties’ respective
transport policies and on subjects of common interest,

— economic, legal and technical training programmes
aimed at economic operators and those in charge of
public-sector departments,

— assistance, particularly in connection with infrastruc-

ture modernisation programmes.

This cooperation shall primarily take the form of action
designed to:

— enourage the involvement of enterprises of both
Parties in the exploration, mining and marketing of
their mineral resources,

— set up activities to encourage small and medium-sized

enterprises operating in the mining sector,

— exchange experience and technology relating to
mining prospecting, exploration and exploitation, and
undertake joint research in order to increase the
opportunities for technological development.

Article 16

Cooperation in the field of information technology
and telecommunications

The Contracting Parties recognise that information
1.
technology and telecommunications are vital to the devel-
opment of the economy and society and declare them-
selves prepared to promote co-operation in fields of
common interest, chiefly in respect of the following:

— promotion of investment and joint investment,

— standardisation, testing and certification,

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— rural and mobile telephone systems, earth and space-
based telecommunications such as transport networks,
satellites,
Integrated Service Digital
Networks (ISDN) and data transmission,

fibre optics,

— electronics and microelectronics,

— computerisation and automation,

— research and development in new information tech-

nologies and telecommunications.

To these ends,
together on measures targeting:

the Parties shall endeavour

to work

— the creation and improvement of public and private
sector environmental bodies in Central America,

— the promotion of environmental education at all levels
and the widespread dissemination of
information
concerning, and solutions to, environmental problems
with a view to increasing public awareness,

— the implementation of studies, projects and technical

This cooperation shall

2.
through:

take place in particular

assistance,

— promotion of joint projects relating to research and
information
to

development,
networks and databanks,
existing databanks and information networks,

of
facilitation of access

establishment

the

— collaboration between experts,

— expert assessments, studies and exchanges of informa-

tion,

— training of scientists and technicians,

— formulation and implementation of specific projects

of mutual benefit.

— the organisation of meetings, seminars, workshops,
technicians and officials

conferences, exchanges of
specialized in this field,

— exchanges of information and experience,

— research and studies paving the way for

joint
programmes and projects aimed at disaster control
and prevention,

— the promotion of the development and alternative
economic use of protected areas, with due regard for
the specific features of the areas concerned.

Article 17

Biological diversity cooperation

Article 19

Tourism cooperation

Within the bounds of their laws, the Contracting Parties
shall contribute to cooperation on tourism in the Central
American countries, which is to be achieved through
specific measures including:

— exchanges of information and studies on opportuni-

ties for tourist development,

The Contracting Parties shall endeavour
to establish
cooperation aimed at preserving biological diversity. Such
cooperation should be based on three criteria, namely:
socio-economic utility, ecological conservation and the
interests of indigenous peoples.

Article 20

— assistance in statistics and data processing,

Development cooperation

— training,

— the organization of events and participation in fairs

promoting the Central American region,

— the promotion of investment and joint investment in

order to expand tourist travel.

Article 18

Environment cooperation

The Contracting Parties affirm that they wish to cooperate
closely in the protection, conservation, improvement and
management of the environment, focusing on water, soil
and air pollution, erosion, desertification, deforestation,
over-exploitation of natural resources, urban concentra-
tion and the productive conservation of wild and aquatic
flora and fauna, protecting them from non-rational
exploitation and commercialisation, particularly where
protected species are concerned.

With a view to increasing the effectiveness of cooperation
in the areas referred to below, the Parties shall seek to
establish a multiannual programme.

Furthermore,
the desire to
the Parties recognise that
contribute to better managed and sustainable develop-
ment involves giving priority to development projects
designed to meet the vital needs of the poorest of the
Central American people, and to the role of women in
the development process. The Parties also recognise that
development and environmental problems are closely
linked.

Cooperation in this field shall involve measures designed
to act against extreme poverty, soften the impact of the
structural adjustment programmes and encourage job
creation. Priority shall be given to measures having an
impact on the restructuring of the economy and taking
into account macro-economic and sectoral problems, and
problems linked to the institutional development process.

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This cooperation shall be undertaken on the greatest scale
possible, in close cooperation with the Member States.

Article 23

Health cooperation

Article 21

Cooperation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas

The Contracting Parties agree to establish cooperation in
the areas of crop and livestock farming, forestry, agro-
industry, agri-foodstuffs and tropical products, with a view
to raising development levels.

To these ends, in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill and
taking into account the laws of both Parties on such
issues, the Contracting Parties shall examine:

— opportunities for developing trade in crop, livestock,

forestry, agro-industrial and tropical products,

— health, plant health, animal health and environmental
measures, with a view to eliminating any obstacles
there might be to trade in this field.

Similarly, and with due respect
sustainable development,
endeavour to promote cooperation concerning:

for the principles of
the Contracting Parties shall

— the development of agriculture,

— the protection and sustainable development of the
following resources: soil, water, woodland, flora and
fauna,

— the agricultural and rural environments,

— training in fields such as new techniques in crop and
livestock farming and forestry and business manage-
ment,

— exchanges between technicians, producers and institu-
tions from both sides, with a view to promoting and
facilitating trade and investment projects,

— agricultural research,

— the upgrading and interfacing of agricultural and

forestry databanks and statistics.

Article 22

Fisheries cooperation

The Contracting Parties agree to intensify and develop
cooperation in the field of fisheries, particularly as regards
the evaluation of resources, artisanal fishing and aquacul-
ture, inter alia, by:

— drawing up and undertaking special programmes and
projects of an economic, commercial, scientific or
technical nature;

The Contracting Parties agree to cooperate to improve
public health, concentrating on the needs of the most
disadvantaged sections of
focusing
primarily on the groups at risk.

the population,

To these ends they shall seek to develop joint research,
technology transfers, exchanges of experience and tech-
nical assistance, in particular with regard to:

— health service management and administration, partic-

ularly in respect of primary healthcare,

— the development of vocational training and education

programmes in the health sector,

— programmes and projects for the improvement of
sanitary conditions
regard to the
prevention of endemic diseases and infections) and
social welfare in urban and rural areas,

(with particular

— training for basic health workers,

— the treatment and prevention of acquired immune

deficiency syndrome (AIDS),

— mother-and-child healthcare and family planning,

— prevention and treatment of cholera.

Article 24

Social development cooperation

1.
The Contracting Parties shall, to the extent of their
powers, and in line with their respective legislation, estab-
lish wide-ranging cooperation to further social develop-
ment, particularly by improving the living conditions of
the poorest sections of the populations in the Central
American countries.

2.
The measures and operations to be undertaken with
these aims in mind include support, essentially in the
form of technical assistance, in the following fields:

— protection of children,

— promotion of the role of women,

— support

for the process of bringing the informal

economy into the official economy,

— education and assistance programmes

for young

people in particularly difficult circumstances,

— measures to soften the social

impact of structural
adjustment programmes, notably through projects
capable of stimulating job creation,

— social services administration,

— encouraging the private sector to participate in devel-

— the improvement of living conditions and hygiene in

oping this sector.

urban and rural areas.

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Article 25

Cooperation in combating drug abuse

Within the scope of their powers, the Contracting Parties
undertake to coordinate and step up their efforts to
prevent,
reduce and eradicate the illegal production,
distribution and consumption of drugs, narcotics and
the work
psychotropic substances,
carried out in this field by regional and international
bodies.

taking account of

This cooperation, with the support of agencies specialized
in this field, shall include:

— training, education,

treatment, detoxification and

rehabilitation projects for addicts,

— illicit drug use prevention programmes,

— research programmes,

— measures designed to encourage alternative develop-

ment, including alternative crops,

— exchanges of relevant information, including informa-
tion concerning measures relating to money laun-
dering,

— programmes to monitor trade in precursors, chemical

products and psychotropic substances.

The Contracting Parties may by mutual agreement extend
their cooperation to other areas.

monitoring of free and transparent elections, the consoli-
dation of the rule of law, respect for human rights and the
participation of the entire population without discrim-
ination in political and social life.

To achieve these ends, the Parties shall undertake the
following:

— implementation of the multiannual programme for
the promotion of human rights approved in Lisbon in
February 1992,

— preparation and implementation of other specific
projects designed to support democratic institutions in
Central America.

Article 28

Regional integration and cooperation

The Contracting Parties shall take steps to encourage the
regional integration of the Central American countries.

Priority shall be given to:

— technical assistance with the technical and practical

aspects of integration,

— promotion of subregional and intraregional trade,

— development of regional environmental cooperation,

— upgrading regional

institutions and supporting the

pursuit of joint policies and activities,

— encouraging the development of regional communica-

Article 26

tions.

Cooperation in assistance for refugees, displaced
persons and returnees

The Parties reiterate their wish to continue cooperating
on a broad scale to facilitate the reintegration of Central
American refugees, displaced persons and returnees into
productive society. This cooperation shall focus on:

— support for the preparation of cooperation activity in
collaboration with the recipient countries and the
International Conference on Central American Refu-
gees (Cirefca);

— implementation of

specific projects with partners
specialised in this field: UNHCR, government bodies
in the recipient countries and NGOs of recognised
experience from both sides.

Article 29

Government cooperation

The Contracting Parties agree to cooperate in matters of
administration and institutional organisation,
including
the organisation of the legal system.

To this end, they shall take steps aimed at encouraging
exchanges of
for
national government officials and employees with a view
to increasing government efficiency.

information and training courses

Cooperation in this field shall make use of existing insti-
tutions in both regions.

Article 27

Article 30

Cooperation in the consolidation of the democratic
process in Central America

Information,

communication and culture

co-

operation

The Contracting Parties agree to support democratic insti-
tutions and the democratic process in Central America,
organisation and
particularly with regard

the

to

The Contracting Parties agree to act jointly in the fields of
information and communication in order to promote
understanding of the nature and aims of the European

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12. 3. 1999

Community and of Central America and to encourage the
Community Member States and Central American coun-
tries to strengthen their cultural ties.

In particular, these measures shall take the form of:

— exchanges of

information on issues of common

interest in the fields of culture and information,

— organisation of cultural events and exchanges, particu-

larly exchanges at university level,

— preparatory studies and technical assistance for the

preservation of the cultural heritage.

Article 31

Training cooperation

With a view to improving training in Central America,
the Parties shall strengthen their cooperation in areas of
mutual interest, taking account of new technologies in the
field.

Such cooperation could take the form of:

— steps to improve the training of executives, techni-

cians, professionals and skilled workers,

— measures with a significant knock-on effect, training
for
instructors and technical executives who are
already in positions of responsibility in public and
private-sector enterprises, government,
the public
service sector and economic administration,

— specific programmes for exchanges of consultants,
know-how and technology between training institu-
tions in the European and Central American coun-
tries, with particular emphasis on the technical,
scientific and vocational sectors,

— literacy programmes linked to health and social devel-

opment projects.

the
In order to facilitate the implementation of
2.
cooperation measures specified in this Agreement, the
Central American countries
shall grant Community
experts the guarantees and facilities they require to carry
out their tasks.

Article 33

Joint Committee

1.
The Contracting parties agree to retain the Joint
Committee established pursuant to the 1985 Cooperation
Agreement. The Joint Committee shall be made up of
representatives of the Community and of the Central
the
American countries, assisted by representatives of
Central American integration bodies.

2.

The Joint Committee shall:

— see to the proper functioning of the Agreement,

— coordinate and assign priority to activities, projects
and specific operations in relation to the aims of this
implementing
Agreement and propose means of
them,

— study and follow up the development of trade and

cooperation between the Parties,

— make any recommendations required to promote the
and intensify and diversify

trade

expansion of
cooperation,

— seek appropriate methods of

forestalling problems
which might arise in the interpretation and applica-
tion of this Agreement.

3.
The agendas for Joint Committee meetings shall be
itself
set by mutual agreement. The Committee shall
establish provisions concerning the frequency and loca-
tion of its meetings, chairmanship, and other issues that
may arise, and shall, where necessary, set up subcommit-
tees.

Article 32

Resources for undertaking cooperation

Article 34

Other agreements

The Contracting Parties undertake to make avail-
1.
able, within the limits of their abilities and through their
own channels, the requisite resources, including financial
resources, for achieving the objectives of the cooperation
provided for in this Agreement. In this connection, wher-
ever possible multiannual programming will be carried
out and priorities determined, taking account of needs
and of the Central American countries’ level of develop-
ment.

1. Without prejudice to the provisions of the Treaties
establishing the European Communities, neither
this
Agreement nor any action taken under it shall in any way
affect the powers of the Member States of the Communi-
ties to undertake bilateral activities with the Central
American countries in the field of economic cooperation
or where appropriate to conclude new economic coopera-
tion agreements with Central American countries.

12. 3. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 63/49

Subject to the provisions of paragraph 1 concerning
2.
economic cooperation, the provisions of this Agreement
shall replace the provisions of the agreements concluded
between the Member States of the Communities and the
Central American countries where such provisions are
either incompatible with or identical to the provisions of
this Agreement.

Article 35

Territorial application clause of the Agreement

This Agreement shall apply, on the one hand, to the
territories in which the Treaty establishing the European
Economic Community is applied and under the condi-
tions laid down in that Treaty and, on the other, to the
territory of the six Central American countries party to
this Agreement.

procedures necessary for this purpose. It shall remain in
force for a period of five years. It shall be renewed tacitly
for
the
successive one-year periods unless one of
Contracting Parties denounces it to the other Party in
writing six months before the date of expiry.

Denouncement by one of the Central American countries
shall not affect the validity of the Agreement in respect of
the other Central American countries.

Article 38

Authentic texts

This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish,
Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portu-
guese and Spanish languages, each text being equally
authentic.

Article 36

Annexes

Article 39

Future developments

The Annexes shall form an integral part of this Agree-
ment.

Article 37

Entry into force and tacit renewal

This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of
the month following the date on which the Contracting
Parties have notified each other of the completion of the

1.
The Contracting Parties may by mutual consent
develop and improve this Agreement with a view to
enhancing the levels of co-operation and supplementing
them by means of agreements on specific sectors or activ-
ities.

2. With regard to the implementation of this Agree-
ment, either of the Contracting Parties may put forward
suggestions for widening the scope of cooperation, taking
into account the experience gained in its application.

L 63/50

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12. 3. 1999

Por el Consejo de las Comunidades Europeas

For R(cid:134)det for De Europæiske Fællesskaber

F(cid:129)r den Rat der Europ(cid:132)ischen Gemeinschaften

Cia to Sulbo(cid:151)kio tym Euqypa(cid:152)j(cid:150)m Joimot(cid:147)tym

For the Council of the European Communities

Pour le Conseil des Communaut(cid:130)s europ(cid:130)ennes

Per il Consiglio delle Comunit(cid:133) europee

Voor de Raad van de Europese Gemeenschappen

Pelo Conselho das Comunidades Europeias

Por el Gobierno de la Rep(cid:156)blica de Costa Rica

Por el Gobierno de la Rep(cid:156)blica de El Salvador

Por el Gobierno de la Rep(cid:156)blica de Guatemala

12. 3. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 63/51

Por el Gobierno de la Rep(cid:156)blica de Honduras

Por el Gobierno de la Rep(cid:156)blica de Nicaragua

Por el Gobierno de la Rep(cid:156)blica de Panam(cid:145)

L 63/52

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

12. 3. 1999

ANNEX

EXCHANGE OF LETTERS ON MARITIME TRANSPORT

Letter No 1

Sir,

We should be obliged if you would confirm the following:

When the Framework Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Republics of Costa
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama was signed, the Parties undertook to address
in the appropriate manner issues relating to the operation of shipping, particularly where the development of
trade might be hindered. Mutually satisfactory solutions on shipping will be sought, while the principle of free
and fair competition on a commercial basis is observed.

It has likewise been agreed that such issues should also be discussed by the Joint Committee.

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

On behalf of the Council of the European Communities

Letter No 2

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter and confirm the following:

‘When the Framework Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Republics of
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama was signed, the Parties undertook to
address in the appropriate manner issues relating to the operation of shipping, particularly where the
development of trade might be hindered. Mutually satisfactory solutions on shipping will be sought, while
the principle of free and fair competition on a commercial basis is observed.

It has likewise been agreed that such issues should also be discussed by the Joint Committee.'

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

For Central America

12. 3. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 63/53

UNILATERAL DECLARATION BY CENTRAL AMERICA CONCERNING ARTICLE 8

The Central American countries hereby declare that they are prepared to initiate talks, at the request of any
Member State of the European Economic Community aimed at the conclusion of bilateral agreements on the
protection and promotion of investment.

UNILATERAL DECLARATION BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERNING ARTICLE 32

The Community confirms that it intends to give priority to supporting projects of a regional nature and
declares that it is prepared to intensify this cooperation in both quality and quantity terms. The financial
resources to be made available for this purpose will reflect both the greater scope of this Agreement and the
significant increase in the resources allocated in the guidelines for cooperation with the developing countries
of Asia and Latin America in the 1990s. These contributions will form part of the budget allocation.

UNILATERAL DECLARATION BY THE COMMUNITY CONCERNING THE SPECIAL
CONCESSIONS GRANTED TO CENTRAL AMERICA UNDER COUNCIL REGULATION
(EEC) No 3900/91 OF 16 DECEMBER 1991

The Community hereby declares that it is prepared to:

(a) study the impact on the Central American countries and other developing countries of the special

concessions granted in the context of the generalised system of preferences;

(b) continue the dialogue on this issue with the Central American countries;

(c) mandate the Commission to assess the situation when the period of validity laid down for the granting of
the preferences concerned expires (1994), particularly in the light of developments as regards the condi-
tions that were taken into account in granting the said preferences.

UNILATERAL DECLARATION BY CENTRAL AMERICA CONCERNING THE SPECIAL
CONCESSIONS GRANTED TO CENTRAL AMERICA UNDER COUNCIL REGULATION
(EEC) No 3900/91 OF 16 DECEMBER 1991

Central America stresses the priority it attaches to the preferential treatment accorded it by the European
Community in the context of the generalised system of preferences.

This treatment is of special importance to Central America in supporting the peace process, the consolidation
of democracy and national reconstruction in the region, and also the efforts being made to ensure that the
Central American countries’ fragile economies, their societies and democratic institutions remain unaffected
by drug-related problems.