THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF MALTA SIGN AGREEMENT REGARDING ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THEIR CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS

On 6^th March 2001, the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Malta signed an Agreement regarding Mutual Administrative Assistance between their Customs Administrations. Ms Deborah Bolton, Charg'? d'Affaires a.i., for the Government of the United States of America and Mr Alfred J. Pace, Comptroller of Customs, for the Government of Malta, signed the Agreement at Custom House Valletta, in the presence of United States of America and Maltese officials.

The scope of the Agreement is for the Customs Administrations of both Parties to provide mutual assistance in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement, in preventing, investigating and repressing offences against customs laws. Such assistance will be afforded subject to the provisions of the respective Party's national laws and within the limits of its Customs Administration's competence and available resources.

The two Customs Administrations are engaged in modernizing their relationship to cope with the changing world and this Agreement is another step forward in their evolving bilateral relations.

Both Parties expressed their conviction that the Agreement based on mutual trust and confidence earned through past cooperation and experience, will make it easier for their Customs Administrations to assist one another and will serve as a foundation for continued cooperation.