MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS ON BILATE…
The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus (hereinafter referred to as the “the Participants”);
Desiring to strengthen friendly relations between the two countries and peoples and to enhance dialogue and cooperation based on openness, mutual respect, common benefit and the principle of sovereign equality;
Wishing to foster more direct consultations between the Participants at all levels;
Recognizing the need to create a mechanism for regular consultations between the Participants on matters of common interests;
Realizing that such a mechanism would facilitate consultations and would include the holding of regular and ad hoc meetings; and
Pursuant to the laws and regulations in force in the two countries
Have reached the following understanding:
PARAGRAPH I
Objectives
The Participants hereby establish a mechanism of bilateral consultations between them to review and examine all aspects of their bilateral relations and to exchange views on international issues of interest.
PARAGRAPH II
Consultations Mechanism
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1.
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The consultations will be held every two (2) years or at any time mutually decided by the Participants, alternately in the Philippines and Belarus or in a third country as mutually decided. The details concerning date, venue, agenda and level of representatives attending the consultations will be mutually decided through diplomatic channels.
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The Participants may set up working groups or expert meetings in order to discuss specific areas of common interest.
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3.
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The Participants will respect the confidentiality of the documents and information exchanged between them and will not transfer or pass them to a third party without prior consent of the other Participant.
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PARAGRAPH III
Scope of Consultations
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The Participants will carry out consultations and exchanges of views on matters of common interests and in particular in political, economic, consular, cultural, social and educational issues.
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2.
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The Participants will also exchange views on international and regional issues and developments of common concern, and whenever necessary, discuss bilateral cooperation in regional or international matters.
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3.
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The Participants will encourage cooperation and direct contacts between members of diplomatic services. They will promote the organization and appropriate implementation of joint activities and programs, as may be mutually decided through diplomatic channels.
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4.
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The Participants will promote cooperation and consultations by diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Belarus in third countries.
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PARAGRAPH IV
Consultations
Should there be any divergence on the interpretation or implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Participants will immediately consult with each other to settle the matter amicably.
PARAGRAPH V
Amendment
This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended with the mutual written consent of the Participants. Such amendments will come into effect in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph VI and will constitute an integral part of this Memorandum of Understanding.
PARAGRAPH VI
Effectivity, Duration and Termination
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1.
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This Memorandum of Understanding will come into effect on the date of signature.
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2.
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This Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for a period of five (5) years and will be renewed automatically for five (5) years each unless suspended or terminated upon six (6) months prior written notice by either of the Participants.
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3.
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The suspension or termination of this Memorandum of Understanding will not affect the execution and the completion of on-going activities, unless both Participants otherwise decide.
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Signed in New York, on this 21st day of September in the year 2023 in two originals, in the English and Russian languages, both texts are equally valid. In case of divergence, the English text will be used.
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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 BELARUS |
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(Sgd.)
ENRIQUE A. MANALO Secretary for Foreign Affairs |
(Sgd.)
SERGEI ALEINIK Minister of Foreign Affairs |
Entry into Force: September 21, 2023