AU-RECs/RMs.Decl Page 5 Coordination of interaction with international partners We recognize the need for better coordination between the AU and the Regional Mechanisms with regard to relations with the international partners, to ensure greater consistency, facilitate the achievement of our set objectives within the framework of the continental peace and security agenda, and maximize the impact of international assistance. In this regard, we commit to: - agree on common modalities for interaction with partners; - coordinate our actions in the relevant international organs, in order to effectively defend African interests and positions, as defined at continental level; and - keep each other mutually informed of developments relating to our respective relations with our partners. Adoption of the Draft Memorandum of Understanding Having considered the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of Peace and Security between the AU, the Regional Economic Communities and the Coordinating Mechanisms submitted by the meeting of experts held in Kampala, Uganda, from 31 August to 2 September 2007, we have agreed to sign this text, as reviewed and amended during our Retreat, on the margins of the forthcoming AU meetings in Addis Ababa at the end of January 2008. The signing of this MoU, elaborated in conformity with Article 16 of the PSC Protocol, will mark an important step in the implementation process of the African Peace and Security Architecture. Final Remarks We have agreed to submit this Declaration, for consideration, to the next AU Assembly. We express our sincere thanks to the Government of Algeria for the facilities provided in order to ensure the success of this Retreat.