NICARAGUA - VENEZUELA AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION

UNCLAS MANAGUA 000646 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CEN, WHA/EPSC, EEB/TPP/ABT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR EAID NU VE SUBJECT: NICARAGUA - VENEZUELA AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT REF: A. MANAGUA 0641 ¶B. MANAGUA 0642 ¶C. MANAGUA 0643 ¶D. MANAGUA 0644 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. As part of a series of Bolivarian Alternative agreements between Nicaraguan and Venezuela signed on January 11, 2007, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan Ministers of Foreign Relations also signed an Agricultural Cooperation Agreement. The agreement is general in nature, outlining the desire of both countries to conduct cooperative projects and programs, including scientific and practical studies and exchanges, in the areas of agricultural and rural development. A joint working group will oversee joint activities. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) An Agricultural Cooperation Agreement was one of a series of thirteen commitments with Venezuela negotiated by the Ortega government before it came to power on January 10, ¶2007. Nicaraguan Minister of Foreign Relations Samuel Santos and Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Relations Nicolas Maduro Moros signed the agreement on January 11, 2007. The substance of the agreement, along with the other commitments made that day, was kept from the public for weeks. This cable reports on the substance of that agreement. Preambular Language -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Preambular language in the agreement speaks to furthering friendship between Nicaraguan and Venezuelan peoples and "excellent ties" in the area of agriculture. The countries agree to establish a permanent dialogue and share experiences in the area of agriculture. Believing that it is in their interest to promote sustainable endogenous agriculture and overcome social inequity, the countries reaffirm their interest in constituting a cooperative agricultural alliance, which includes collaboration on research, extension services, agricultural projects, training programs, exchange of cooperative staff, agricultural producers, technicians, and experts. Both countries note a special interest in improving agricultural productivity. Article 1: Cooperation -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Nicaragua and Venezuela pledge in this agreement to promote and intensify cooperation in agriculture through the formulation and implementation of projects and programs in the areas of agriculture and rural development, taking into account established social and economic development �0A;priorities in their respective strategic plans, policies, and legislation. Article 2: Activities -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Cooperation may include the following envisioned activities: -- education and training of agricultural producers, cooperatives, technicians, and scientists; -- promotion of exchanges between agricultural producers, cooperatives, technicians, scientists, and experts who provide consulting services and studies, and prepare and execute specific projects and programs in matters relating to the agricultural sector and rural development; -- seminars, meetings, courses, and conferences in both countries to train technicians, agricultural cooperatives, among others on the part of both countries; -- exchange of scientific and technological information; -- joint and coordinated undertaking of research projects and programs and or development technologies, in particular those academies, institutes, and other research centers that are linked to the agricultural sector; -- elaboration of integrated rural development projects for the creation and strengthening the pillars of agricultural development; -- other activities upon which the parties may agree. Article 3: Executing Authorities -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Executing authorities are the Nicaraguan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Venezuelan Ministry of Agriculture and Land. Articles 4-5: Working Groups -------------- ¶7. (SBU) With the objective of creating an adequate mechanism for oversight and follow-up, a Working Group will be composed of representatives from both ministries that will have the following functions: -- to establish priorities and evaluate possible specific cooperative projects for agricultural cooperation under this agreement; -- to study and recommend programs and projects within the framework of this agreement; -- to analyze and coordinate the completion of programs of cooperation and technical assistance. -- to monitor and fulfill the terms of this agreement. The working group will meet alternatively in Venezuela and Nicaragua on agreed upon dates. Either party may submit specific projects to the other for consideration. Article 6: Programs -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Parties will jointly elaborate programs of cooperation that will include a description of objectives, implementation periods, work plans, estimated costs, financial resources, technical people, and other condition that may be established. Article 7: Use of Knowledge -------------- ¶9. (SBU) Parties will take necessary measures to ensure that knowledge acquired will contribute to the economic and social development of their country. Article 8: Costs -------------- ¶10. (SBU) Financial arrangements for cooperative activities under this agreement will be established by mutual consent on a case by case basis. Expenses for working group meetings will be covered by the host of the meeting. Each party will pay for the costs of sending its own officials. Article 9: Confidentiality -------------- ¶11. (SBU) Each party promises to maintain the confidentiality and secrecy of documents, information, and other data received or provided by the other party during the implementation of this agreement or conforming agreements. This article will continue to be effective though the agreement may terminate. Articles 10-12: Disputes, Amendments, and Duration -------------- -------------- ¶12. (SBU) Disputes will be resolved amicably through diplomatic negotiation. The agreement may be amended by the common will of the parties. The agreement enters into force for a period of five years after the last notification by the parties of the fulfillment of internal constitutional and legal requirements. The agreement is automatically renewable for equal five-year periods, unless one of the parties notifies the other of its intention to not renew it at least six months before the end of a five year period. Notwithstanding, either party may withdraw from the agreement after having notified the other by written diplomatic note of its intention. Withdrawal will not affect ongoing programs and projects, unless the parties say otherwise. TRIVELLI