Preamble The Governments on whose behalf this Agreement is signed, Being aware of the advantages to be derived by them from the effective and continuous exchange of information and the harmonization and co-ordination of their laws, policies and activities in intellectual property matters, Recognizing that the creation of an African regional intellectual property organization for the study and promotion of and co-operation in intellectual property matters in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Africa, the World Intellectual Property Organization and other appropriate organizations would best serve this purpose, Hereby agree as follows: Article I Establishment The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)(hereinafter referred to as "the Organization") is hereby established and shall operate and be governed according to the provisions of this Agreement. Article II Organs The Organization shall have the following organs: the Council of Ministers, the Administrative Council, the Secretariat, and such other subsidiary organs as may be established by the Administrative Council in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Article III Objectives The objectives of the Organization shall be: (a) to promote the harmonization and development of the intellectual property laws, and matters related thereto, appropriate to the needs of its members and of the region as a whole; (b) to foster the establishment of a close relationship between its members in matters relating to intellectual property; (c) to establish such common services or organs as may be necessary or desirable for the coordination, harmonization and development of the intellectual property activities affecting its members;