MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ICELAND ON BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, hereinafter referred to as “the Participants”,

Seeking to expand and enhance bilateral relations based on the principles of respect for sovereignty of States, equality of rights, and non-interference in internal affairs;

Wishing to contribute to the development of relations between the Participants, in accordance with the objectives and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963;

Recognizing the importance of consultations and exchange of views on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest; and,

Wishing to establish and further facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation;

Have reached the following understanding:

Paragraph 1
Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to promote cooperation and implementation of joint activities as may be mutually agreed upon, through diplomatic channels.

Paragraph 2
Bilateral Consultations

1. The Participants will hold regular bilateral consultations to review all aspects of their relations, and to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest as well as on developments taking place in the regional and international fora.

2. Consultations between the Participants will be held alternatively in the Republic of the Philippines and in Iceland, and, whenever necessary, in international organizations and fora.

3. The consultations may also take place in a third State on the occasion of an international conference or meeting participated in by both Participants. The Participants may also decide to hold consultations online or through their Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York or at any other international organization.

4. The level, dates, venue and agendas of the meetings will be settled through the diplomatic channels on the initiative of either Participant.

5. Consultations on bilateral issues will include all areas of mutual interest, e.g. political, economic, commercial, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

Paragraph 3
Expenses

Each Participant will bear the expenses derived from the travels made by their officials.

Paragraph 4
Confidentiality

1. Each Participant shall undertake to observe the secrecy and confidentiality of documents, information, and other data received by or supplied to the other Participant during the period of the implementation of this MOU or any other implementing arrangements made pursuant to this MOU.

2. The Participants agree that part 1 of this Paragraph shall remain binding between the Participants despite the termination of this MOU, including the provision on the documents and information generated from this MOU, which shall not be shared with third parties without the express written consent of the Participants.

Paragraph 5
Status

1. This MOU represents the understanding reached between the Participants and does not create any legally binding rights or obligations, or in any way affect the obligations of each State under international conventions to which that State is a party.

2. The provisions of this MOU will be without prejudice to existing treaties or agreements to which the two States are parties.

Paragraph 6
Resolution of Differences

Any differences that may arise concerning the application or interpretation of this MOU shall be settled amicably by consultations or negotiations.

Paragraph 7
Final Provisions

1. This MOU shall come into effect on the date of its signature.

2. This MOU shall remain in effect for a period of five (5) years and shall be automatically renewed for subsequent periods of five (5) years unless terminated by either Participant after giving notice to the other Participant in writing through diplomatic channels at least six (6) months prior to the intended date of termination.

3. This MOU may be amended by mutual agreement of the Participants in writing through diplomatic channels. Such amendments shall come into effect in accordance with part 1 of this Paragraph 1.

Signed in Stokkseyri on 18 June 2024 in duplicate in the English language.

Entry into Force: June 18, 2024