CL 23/2017

IHO File N° S1/5002 CIRCULAR LETTER 23/2017 17 February 2017 ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANIZATION AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SCIENCE COMMISSION Reference: IHO CL 62/2016 dated 01 December - Proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the International Hydrographic Organization and the Mediterranean Science Commission Dear Hydrographer, 1. The Secretary-General is pleased to report that the proposed text contained in the referenced Circular Letter to establish closer ties between the IHO and the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM), through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has raised no objection from the Member States. 2. The Secretary-General thanks the following Member States that expressed explicitly their support of the proposal: Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Ecuador, France, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. The additional comments provided by Chile, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom are reproduced in Annex A. 3. The Secretary-General will sign the proposed MoU on behalf of the IHO at the earliest opportunity. A copy will be posted on the IHO website at: Home > Letters & Documents > MOU & Agreements. Yours sincerely, Robert WARD Secretary-General Annex A: Member States’ responses to IHO CL 62/2016 Mapping our Seas, Oceans and Waterways - more important than ever  Annex A to IHO CL 23/2017 MEMBER STATES’ RESPONSES TO IHO CL 62/2016 Proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the International Hydrographic Organization and the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM), CHILE We acknowledge reception of the CL in the reference and we support the proposal to sign a MOU between IHO and the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM). We feel that CIESM’s objectives are in line with those of IHO and it makes sense to join efforts from the different perspectives both organizations have. ITALY Having read the draft text of the Memorandum of Understanding enclosed to IHO-CL 62/2016, Italy has no adverse comments and supports the effort to improve the cooperation with the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM). PORTUGAL The Portuguese Hydrographic Office supports the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the IHO and the CIESM and congratulates the pursuing effort in strengthening scientific and technical cooperation, exchanging relevant experience on issues of mutual interest and cooperating towards the provision of technical advice, which can ultimately lead to benefits for both parties. UNITED KINGDOM UK support this MoU and consider it an opportunity well overdue to collaborate with such an august body as the CIESM to better understand, monitor and protect the Mediterranean Sea. Dear Hydrographer, Please find attached herewith : CL 23/2017 : ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANIZATION AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SCIENCE COMMISSION Yours sincerely, IHO M.MOLLET