PHILIPPINE – SOVIET PROTOCOL ON CONSULTATIONS
DESIROUS of strengthening and developing relations of friendship and mutual trust between the peoples of the Philippines and the Soviet Union based on principles of mutual respect, equality and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,
CONVINCED that strengthening an all-round cooperation between the Philippines and the Soviet Union meets the interests of the Philippine and Soviet peoples,
DETERMINED to contribute in every way to preserving peace, maintaining security, achieving fair and lasting settlement of present-day international problems in keeping with the principles and purposes of the U.N. Charter, to developing peaceful, equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation among states,
NOTING the usefulness of the established practice of holding consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries as well as consultations and cooperation within the frame-work of international organizations and forums,
RECOGNIZING the necessity of expanding the systems of consultations for joint consideration of questions relating to the evolution of the world situation and of major international and regional problems and of questions of bilateral nature,
CONVINCED of the importance of establishing a practical and efficient mechanism of consultations on the above questions,
HAVE AGREED as follows:
1. In addition to the continued use of regular diplomatic channels, the two shall hold annual consultations to consider questions of mutual interest relating to the international situation and their bilateral relations.
2. The consultations shall be conducted through the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
3. The consultations shall be held alternately in Manila and Moscow. Their level, time-frame and agenda shall be determined by mutual agreement through diplomatic channels.
4. To consider special questions, expert or working groups may be set up by mutual agreement. Where appropriate, either side may invite representatives from other agencies.
5. The two sides shall continue the practice of holding consultations in international organizations and international forums.
6. This Protocol shall enter into force on the date of its signing, and shall continue to be in force for an indefinite period unless terminated upon written notification by one of the Contracting Parties to the other, the termination being effective six months after the date of notification.
DONE in duplicate at Manila, on the 24th day of March each in the English and Russian language, both texts being equally authentic.
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS
Entry into Force: March 24, 1988