AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA ON CULTURAL COOPERATION

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, hereinafter referred to as the Parties:

Desirous of strengthening the friendly relations and shared values between their respective peoples;

Determined to translate these bonds into specific cooperation instruments in order to further enhance their relations;

Acknowledging that culture and the arts are vital components of development, and that cooperation in these fields enhances institutional networking and people-to-people exchanges;

Have agreed as follows:

Article I
General Objective

The Parties agree to promote the development of mutually beneficial relationships in the fields of culture and the arts on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and the laws and regulations in each country, and bearing in mind the interests of their respective peoples.

Article II
Scope of Cooperation

The Parties shall promote and enhance knowledge and understanding among their respective peoples of the visual, musical and performing arts, literature, cultural forms of expression and cultural activities of the other country through the means enumerated in the succeeding provisions.

Article III
Networking and Exchanges

The Parties shall promote networking, exchanges, and reciprocal access between libraries, museums, archives, cultural agencies and establishments and other relevant institutions.

The Parties shall encourage reciprocal visits of artists, experts, students and professionals for research, training, performances, exhibitions and participation in its cultural and artistic activities, and shall endeavour to provide the appropriate facilities to this end.

The Parties shall also promote the establishment of contacts between creative organizations and cultural institutions, both in the public and private sectors.

Article IV
Dissemination of Information

The Parties shall within its territory, encourage the dissemination of the literary, musical and artistic works of each Party.

The Parties shall facilitate the exchange of information and materials on culture and the arts, including printed and audio-visual material.

The Parties shall endeavor to promote networking and exchanges between libraries, museums, archives, cultural agencies and establishments.

Article V
Joint Commission

The Parties shall form a Joint Commission, comprising of equal number of representatives appointed by each Party, which shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Agreement and coordination of cooperation provided for therein, as well as consider the questions arising during the implementation of the Agreement.

The Joint Commission shall meet alternately in both countries. The meeting time and location shall be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Article VI
Intellectual Property Rights

In the implementation of cooperation based on this Agreement, the Parties shall apply the provisions of domestic law and relevant binding international agreements from the field of intellectual property protection.

Article VII
Implementing Arrangements

The Parties may enter into subsequent programs of cooperation detailing the specific arrangements for the implementation of this Agreement.

Article VIII
Settlement of Disputes

Any dispute between the Parties arising out of the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled amicably through consultations or negotiations through diplomatic channels.

Article IX
Relation to International Agreements

This Agreement does not affect the rights and obligation of the Parties arising from other international agreements by which they are bound.

Article X
Entry Into Force

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of receipt of the last written notification by which the Parties have notified each other, through diplomatic channels, that their internal legal requirements necessary for its entry into force have been fulfilled.

Article XI
Duration and Termination

This Agreement is concluded for an indefinite period of time. Either Party may denounce this. Agreement by written notification to the other Party, through diplomatic channels, six (6) months in advance.

The termination of this Agreement shall not affect the completion of any cooperative activity undertaken under this Agreement and not fully implemented at the time of termination of this Agreement, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

In witness thereof the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done at Zaqreb, Croatia on 05-11-09 in two originals in the English language.

Entry into Force: December 29, 2014