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The partnership agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) and the EU, signed in Cotonou, Benin, on 23 June 2000, concluded for a 20-year period, is the most comprehensive partnership agreement between developing countries and the EU. Since 2000, it has been the framework for EU relations with 79 ACP countries. Core principles of the Cotonou Agreement include equality of partners, global participation (by states and non-state actors), dialogue and regionalisation. The essential and fundamental elements of the Agreement, viz. good governance, respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, provide the basis for political dialogue. The Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA), while being self-standing international agreements, are also based on the objectives and the essential and fundamental elements of the Cotonou Agreement. Due to expire on 29 February 2020, the validity of the Agreement has been extended until 30 June 20222023, pending the outcome of the negotiations over a successor agreement.

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