MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS MECHANISM BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND TH…

PREAMBLE

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

With a view to further enhancing the friendly relations and deepening the cooperation already existing between the Republic of the Philippines and the Czech Republic and to give new dimensions to this cooperation,

Have reached the following understanding:

PARAGRAPH I
Purpose

The Participants will hold political consultations on bilateral and regional relations and on international issues of common interest every two (2) years or at any time mutually convenient to both Participants.

PARAGRAPH II
Bilateral Consultations

1. The consultations will be carried out alternatively in Manila and Prague or in a third country on the occasion of an international conference or meeting participated in by both Participants. During such an international conference or meeting, the Participants will also explore cooperation on issues of common interest for the two countries.
2. The Delegations, conducting political consultations, will be presided over by deputy ministers or other high-ranking officials of both the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
3. The agenda, date and venue of the consultations as well as the composition of the delegations will be agreed upon by the Participants through diplomatic channels.
4. The Participants will bear their respective expenses for participation in the meetings, including round trip transportation to the meeting place and accommodations, and the host Participant is prepared to provide the necessary facilities for holding the consultations.

PARAGRAPH III
Scope

At the consultation meetings, the Participants will review and evaluate the developments in the political, economic, consular, cultural, technological and scientific areas of bilateral relations and other areas of common interest and exchange views to further enhance these relations. The Participants are ready to discuss views on international and regional issues of common concern, and when necessary, views on bilateral cooperation in regional or international matters.

PARAGRAPH IV
Status

This MOU is not intended to create any legally binding obligation under international law. It will not in any way affect the obligations of each State under international treaties to which that State is a party.

PARAGRAPH V
Final Provisions

This Memorandum of Understanding will come into effect on the date of the signature.

Signed in Brussels on 21 January 2019

Entry into Force: January 21, 2019