Recalling its decision V/12 on cooperation with United Nations bodies, specialized agencies, regional systems and organizations and others,
Noting that the secretariats of the Basel Convention and the World Trade Organization have developed an informal institutional dialogue over several years, a process that started under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade until 1994, before the existence of the World Trade Organization,
Noting also that, more recently, an informal dialogue has been taking place between multilateral environmental agreements, including the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, and the World Trade Organization to enhance synergies, particularly in relation to trade and environment,
Recognizing that implementation of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal requires consideration all trade related aspects of the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, including the monitoring of international trade and prevention of illegal trade of hazardous wastes, as well as the export and import licensing systems for hazardous wastes. These trade measures are designed to protect, by strict control, human health and the environment against the adverse effects that may result from the generation and management of hazardous wastes and other wastes,
Mindful of the need to strengthen cooperation between the Basel Convention and the World Trade Organization within their respective mandates,
Welcoming the enhanced cooperation between the secretariats of the Basel Convention and of the World Trade Organization,
(a)Seek observer status in the Committee on Trade and Environment meeting in special session, and to advise the Parties to the Basel Convention when the request has been submitted to and granted by the World Trade Organization;
(b)Report to the Parties to the Basel Convention on any meetings it attends at the World Trade Organization and any substantive contacts with the World Trade Organization secretariat and its committee secretariats;
(c)Monitor developments in the World Trade Organization Committee on Trade and Environment meeting in special session and report to the Parties thereon;
2.Also requests the secretariat of the Basel Convention, when called upon to provide general information to the World Trade Organization on trade provisions of the Basel Convention, to consult with the Parties to the Basel Convention before providing that information. If the Secretariat of the Basel Convention is requested to provide interpretation on the trade provisions of the Convention, it will refer such requests to the Conference of the Parties.