The formal agreement, which defines the trade and development relationship between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries was approved during Monday's Cabinet Meeting chaired by St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.

The original agreement was signed in 2000. "Cabinet today (Monday) discussed and approved the ratification of the revised Cotonou Agreement, which would ensure the continued development support from the European Union through the European Development Fund," Minister of State in the Ministry of Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty said Monday night.

He said that the revisions to the Cotonou agreement specifically address several matters including global security, money laundering and social responsibility.~~adz:Right~~