FRAMEWORK CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

PREAMBLE

The Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Central African Republic (hereinafter jointly referred to as the "Parties" and in the singular as a "Party"); WISHING to promote friendship and co-operation between their two countries on the basis of principles contained in the United Nations Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and acknowledged international standards; PROMPTED by the common will to contribute to peace and development through cooperation between the Parties;

HEREBY AGREE as follows:

Article 1

(l) The Parties agree to strengthen their relationship in all areas of common interest including the political, economic, security, social, cultural, scientific and technical sectors within the spirit of African solidarity

(2) Co-operation shall focus in the short term on sectors identified by the Parties, notably in the following areas:

(a) Defence and security;

(b) airline, road, maritime and inland waterway transport;

(c) energy and mines; and

(d) capacity building in the public service.

(3) Co-operation shall also focus, inter alia, on the following sectors of development:

(a) Urban and rural development;

(b) health and other related social issues;

(c) education and training;

(d) environment and tourism;

(e) housing; and

(f) commerce and industry_

Article 2

(1) While waiting for the creation of a Joint Committee in charge of organising and examining co-operation between the Parties in all areas of common interest, the Parties agree to hold general and special consultations alternately in the Republic of South Africa and in the Central African Republic.

(2) Each Party shall be responsible for all transport costs relating to its delegation travelling to the other country.

(3) The host Party shall be responsible for accommodation and organisation costs as well as secretariat work.

Article 3

(l) The Parties agree to promote co-operation in all areas provided for in Article 1.

(2) The Parties shall make an assessment during their consultations of the implementation of this Agreement and any other Agreement, Convention and Treaty signed by the Parties and shall agree on a co-operation programme for the following year.

Article 4

This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent of the Parties by an Exchange of Notes between the Parties through the diplomatic channel.

Article 5

Any dispute between the Parties arising out of the interpretation, application or implementation of this Agreement will be settled amicably through consultations or negotiations between the Parties through the diplomatic channel.

Article 6

(l) This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of signature thereof.

(2) This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of two (2) years and shall be automatically renewed for further periods of two (2) years unless terminated in accordance with sub-Article (3).

(3) This Agreement may be terminated by either Party giving three (3) months' written notice in advance through the diplomatic channel to the other Party of its intention to terminate it.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being du1y authorised thereto by their respective Governments, have signed and sealed this Agreement in two originals in the English and French languages, all texts being equally authentic. In the case of divergence in interpretation, the English language shall prevail.

Done in Pretoria on this 28th day of April 2006

Signed

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Signed

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

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