The Bahamas Signs the Second Revision of the Cotonou Agreement

The Bahamas Embassy to the European Union is pleased to announce that on 9 August 2010, His Excellency Mr. Paul H. Farquharson, QPM, Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the European Union, signed the Agreement amending the Cotonou Agreement for the second time. The ceremony took place at the Council of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

The Cotonou Agreement constitutes the foundation of the special relationship between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations. It is aimed at reducing and eventually eradicating poverty as well as at sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP states into the world economy.

The second revision streamlines the text, adapting it to changes in trade and aid policies that occurred in the last five years. As part of the review, provisions against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons were strengthened as were those against new security threats, such as organised crime and trafficking of human beings, drugs and weapons. Moreover, the review facilitates assistance to ACP states for adapting to global warming and for integrating climate change into their development strategies. It also improves support to the aquaculture and fisheries sectors in ACP states and to the fight against HIV/AIDS. In addition, it will accelerate work towards mutual recognition of higher education qualifications and reinforce regional cooperation within the ACP Group of States.