CYPRUS AND MALTA SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

CYPRUS AND MALTA SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Minister for the Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Christodoulous Christodoulou, and the Minister for Justice and Local Government Dr. Austin Gatt signed a Memorandum of Understanding to "develop and also establish co-operation between their respective countries in the field of local self-government."

The main aspects of co-operation will be the promotion of joint programmes involving EU assistance in the area of local self-government; the enhancement of local authorities' involvement in the provision of social services; the application of information technology in the modernisation of service delivery; the intensification of the subsidiarity process through new joint devolution initiatives; the devolution of the power of enforcement of legislation which affects local authorities' effectiveness in performance; schemes aimed at enhancing inter-municipal co-operation; and the promotion of citizens' participation initiatives.

The two countries also agreed that the collaboration programme will be conducted through joint initiatives in the identification of programmes and projects eligible for EU technical and financial assistance; experience-exchange encompassing a wide range of competencies and devolution initiatives exploiting fully the strengths of both parties; the establishment of links at central and local levels; human resources development and training-programmes; and the provision of expert advice and consultancy services on projects related to local government policy.

The two countries agreed to achieve these goals by appointing a Joint Commission representing both sides. They also agreed that this Commission will meet once a year, alternately in the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Malta. The first task of the Commission will be the drawing up of a three-year action plan setting out the programme of activities to be implemented on a yearly basis.

Both Minister Christodoulou and Minister Gatt expressed their great satisfaction that the two countries have reached such an agreement which will be of great benefit to both countries and to both peoples.