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Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Tokelau and the Government of Tuvalu [1996] PITSE 1 (22 April 1996)

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF TOKELAU AND THE GOVERNMENT OF TUVALU

(Nukunonu, Tokelau, 22 April 1996)

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 22 APRIL 1996

1. Introduction

The Governments of Tokelau and Tuvalu (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Governments’) recognising the very close historical links and great geographical social and cultural similarities between the inhabitants and islands of Tokelau and Tuvalu, and further recognising the benefits of bilateral interactions in the spirit of neighbourly friendship, desire to cooperate for the betterment of their people, and hereby agree to jointly cooperate in the areas specified in this memorandum.

Such cooperation will initially cover, but not be limited to, shipping, air transportation, immigration, trade, and human resources development.

2. Transportation

A. Shipping

The Governments aim to provide a more reliable, regular, efficient, safe and cost effective shipping service to both countries. To achieve this the Governments will undertake to attract commercial shipping lines to service the two countries and where a national shipping service is concerned to endeavour to rationalise the shipping schedules in order to take into account the needs of both countries.

B. Air Transport

The Governments aim to provide a more reliable, regular, efficient, safe and cost-effective air transportation service to both countries. The Governments will undertake to explore all means possible to achieve this aspiration.

3. Trade

The Governments agree to pursue all feasible avenues in order to obtain mutual benefits of intra regional and international trade. That, as much as possible, the Governments will seek to harmonise their international trade regimes.

4. Tourism

The Governments recognise the importance of developing tourism in an environmentally sustainable manner which also protects the cultures of their peoples and aim to cooperate to promote the two countries as a tourism destination.

5. Immigration

In recognition of the historical links between the two countries, together with the economic and social gains from free movement of citizens of both countries, the Governments agree that citizens from their countries be authorised a 30 day visa free entry. Other ways to improve the mobility of people and labour within the two countries will be explored.

6. Fisheries

The Governments aim to expand the economic benefits that can be derived from fisheries development. The Governments agree to cooperate in the area of education, surveillance, fisheries facilities, licensing, manpower resources and resource management.

7. Human Resources Development

Cognisant of the fact that their most important known resource is the people, the Governments agree to explore all feasible resources of mutual cooperation in the area of human resources development, including the exchange of relevant officials, use of country expertise, attachment training, cultural and other visits, use of facilities at the Tuvalu Maritime Training School, and the sharing of information and publications on issues of mutual interest.

8. Cooperation in Regional and International Activities

The Governments agree to exchange information from time to time concerning participation in regional and international activities.

9. Other Matters

The Governments of Tokelau and Tuvalu undertake to maximise efforts to implement the plans and aspirations outlined in the above areas. In addition, they will continue to meet on a regular basis to exchange information on other areas that have potential for mutual benefit.

10. IMPLEMENTATION

The Government of Tokelau and Tuvalu agree to establish, at an early date, the mechanisms for the pursuance of the goals identified in this Memorandum, particularly in relation to shipping and human resources development.

Made this twenty-second day of April 1996

At Nukunonu, Tokelau