MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF TURKME…
Desiring to strengthen the friendly relations that exist between their peoples and countries;
Seeking to expand and enhance the bilateral relations based on the principles of respect for sovereignty of States, equality of rights and non-interference in internal affairs;
Desiring to activate different fields of cooperation between the two countries through mutual coordination and consultation on bilateral and international affairs of common interest;
Aware of the importance of holding regular consultations between both countries regarding bilateral relations and international issues of common interest; and
Affirming their adherence to the principles and aims of the United Nations Charter;
Have reached the following understanding:
Paragraph 1
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred as “MOU”) is to serve as a framework for the conduct of political consultations on bilateral relations, international issues and political developments, and other issues of common interest.
Members of diplomatic missions of the Participants working in third countries and the permanent representative of the Republic of the Philippines at the United Nations and the permanent representative of Turkmenistan at the United Nations and other international organizations will intensify their contact within the spirit of constructive cooperation in order to coordinate their efforts and conduct consultations on all issues of mutual interest.
Paragraph 2
The date, agenda, and level of the consultations will be mutually determined by the Participants through diplomatic channels. Unless otherwise decided, the Participants will meet every 2 years, alternately in the Republic of the Philippines and Turkmenistan.
Paragraph 3
The Participant hosting the consultations will be responsible for all expenses related thereto, such as but not limited to the venue and internal transportation.
Each Participant will cover the expenses related to the participation of its representatives in the consultations.
Paragraph 4
This MOU does not intend to create any legally binding rights or obligations under international law. It will not in any way affect the obligations of each Participant’s country under internati10nal conventions to which that country is a party.
Paragraph 5
Should there be any divergence on the interpretation or implementation of this MOU, the Participants will immediately consult each other to settle the matter amicably.
Paragraph 6
1. Each Participant shall observe the secrecy and confidentiality of documents, information, and other data received or supplied to the other Participant during the period of the implementation of the MOU or any other implementing arrangements made pursuant to this MOU.
2. Item 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 raised with third parties without the express written consent of the Participants.
Paragraph 7
This MOU may be amended and supplemented at any time by mutual written consent of the Participants.
Paragraph 8
This MOU will come into effect on the date of its signature, and will remain in effect for five (5) years, automatically extendible for periods of equal duration. It may be suspended or terminated by notifying the other Participant in writing, at a minimum of three (3) months before its intended date of suspension or termination.
Signed in Manila, on 02 August 2024 in duplicate in the English and Turkmen languages, each version being equally valid. In case of divergence, the English text shall prevail.
Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines
Affairs of Turkmenistan
Entry into Force: August 2, 2024