MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BILATERAL POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS MECHANISM BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AN…
The Department of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, hereinafter referred to as
“the Participants”,
Guided by the principles of independence,
sovereign equality and territorial integrity, non-interference in the
internal affairs of other countries and mutual assistance in agreed
fields,
Desiring to develop and strengthen relations
between the two countries, in accordance with the purposes and
principles of the United Nations Charter,
Recognizing the importance of consultations
and exchange of views on matters of bilateral relations and on regional
and international issues of mutual interest,
Have reached the following understanding:
Paragraph 1
Purpose
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter
the “MOU”) is to facilitate the holding of periodic consultations
between the Participants to review and examine aspects of their
bilateral relations, and to exchange views on international issues of
mutual interest.
Paragraph 2
Consultations Mechanism
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1.
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Consultations will be held
once every two (2) years, alternately in the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Serbia. The consultations may also take place in a third country on the occasion of an international conference or meeting, participated by both Participants. During such international conference or meeting, the Participants will also seek the possibilities of cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest. The modalities of consultations and details concerning the date, place, agenda and level of representatives will be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels. |
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2.
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The Participants shall ensure the
confidentiality of the consultation outcomes, documents and exchanged information, and agree not to transfer or share these with a third party without the prior written consent of the other Participant. |
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3.
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The Participants may establish working groups and meetings of experts to discuss specific areas of mutual interest.
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4.
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The Participants will bear their
respective expenses for participation in the meetings, including round trip transportation to the meeting place and accommodation, unless otherwise is agreed upon, and the host Participant will provide the necessary venue for holding the consultations. |
Paragraph 3
Scope of Cooperation
The Participants will consult and exchange views on matters of common interest, including:
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1.
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Deepening of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, consular, scientific, cultural and educational fields;
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2.
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Topics related to the strengthening of
the economic-commercial relationship, to take advantage of business or investment opportunities between both countries, through actions aimed at promoting exports, attracting investment and promoting tourism; |
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3.
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Regional and global issues considered important by the Participants;
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4.
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Themes pertaining to the United Nations
agenda, or of particular importance discussed in the framework of other international forums; |
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5.
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Topics related to the revision and implementation of bilateral agreements signed by the Participants; and
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6.
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Other topics of common interest and within the Participants’ competence.
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Paragraph 4
Resolution of Differences
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1.
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Differences in the
interpretation and/or implementation of this MOU shall be resolved through mutual negotiations and shall not be referred to a third party. |
Paragraph 5
Final Provisions
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1.
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This MOU shall take effect on the date of its signature by the Participants.
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2.
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This MOU shall remain in force for an
indefinite period of time, unless one of the Participants officially notifies the other of its intention to suspend or terminate it, at least six (6) months prior to the intended date of suspension or termination. |
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3.
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Any amendment or revision of the text of
this MOU shall be done in writing by mutual consent of the Participants through diplomatic channels. The modification shall enter into force on the day of its signing and shall constitute an integral part of this MOU. |
Done in New York on 19 September 2023 in two originals in the English Language.
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For the Department of Foreign Affairs of
the Republic of the Philippines |
For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Serbia |
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(Sgd.)
ENRIQUE A. MANALO Secretary of Foreign Affairs |
(Sgd.)
IVICA DACIC First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs |
Entry into Force: September 19, 2023