Decision COP IX/36

The Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity,

Having met in Bonn for its fourth meeting serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety from 12 to 16 May 2008 and for its ninth ordinary meeting from 19 to 30 May 2008, at the gracious invitation of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany,

Deeply appreciative of the exceptional arrangements made by the host Government for the meetings and the special courtesy and warm hospitality extended to participants by the Government of Germany, the City of Bonn, and their people, 

1. Expresses its appreciation for the convening, for the first time, of the Heads of State and Heads of Government component of the High-Level Segment of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties;

2. Expresses its gratitude to the President of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties for his outstanding leadership;

3. Also expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Germany for the cordial hospitality that they accorded to participants in the meetings and for their contribution to their success.