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 LATVIA ON BILATER…

Bilateral
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The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia (hereafter “the Participants”),

Desiring to strengthen and expand friendly relations and to encourage the cooperation between the two countries,

Recognizing the importance of consultations and exchange of views on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest

Wishing to establish an efficient and practical procedure for inter-ministerial political consultations, in order to establish and further facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation,

Reaffirming their adherence to the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Acting within their competence and in compliance with international obligations and the prevailing laws and regulations of their respective countries,

Have reached the following understandings:

Section 1
Objective

  1. The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to promote cooperation and implementation of joint activities as may be mutually agreed upon, through diplomatic channels.
  2. The Participants will hold regular bilateral consultations to review all aspects of their relations, and to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest as well as on developments taking place in the regional and international fora.
  3. Consultations on bilateral issues will include all areas of mutual interest, such as, but not limited to, political, economic, commercial, scientific, educational, security, technical and cultural cooperation.

Section 2
Consultations

  1. Consultations between the Participants will be held alternately in the Republic of the Philippines and in the Republic of Latvia and, whenever necessary, on the sidelines of international forums.
  2. Whenever necessary, diplomatic staff of the Participants, members of diplomatic and consular missions of the countries of the Participants in each other’s country, as well as representatives of the Participants attending international conferences and meetings will hold consultations and address cooperation issues of mutual interest.
  3. The level, dates, venue and agendas of the meetings will be settled through diplomatic channels on the initiative of either Participant.

Section 3
Information and notification
Any notice required or permitted under this Memorandum of Understanding shall be valid and effective only if in writing.

Section 4
Legal Scope
The Participants acknowledge that this Memorandum of Understanding is not meant to constitute an international treaty or to create any rights or obligations under public international law. The Participants intend to use their best efforts in good faith to work together to achieve the objectives of this Memorandum of Understanding.

Section 5
Confidentiality

  1. Each Participant shall undertake to 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 this MOU or any other implementing arrangements made pursuant to this MOU.
  2. The Participants agree that part 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 shared with third parties without the express written consent of the Participants.

Section 6
Amendments
This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended at any time by the mutual consent of both Participants. Amendments will be effected by exchange of notes or letters through diplomatic channels.

Section 7
Governing law

  1. This MOU represents the understanding reached between the Participants and does not create any legally binding rights or obligations, or in any way affect the obligations of each country under international conventions to which that country is a party.
  2. The provisions of this MOU will be without prejudice to existing treaties or agreements to which the two countries are parties.

Section 8
Resolution of Differences
Any differences that may arise between the two Participants in relation to the interpretation or application of this Memorandum of Understanding shall be settled amicably through consultations or negotiations.

Section 9
Final Provisions

  1. This MOU shall come into effect on the date of its signature.
  2. This MOU shall remain in effect for a period of five (5) years and shall be automatically renewed for subsequent periods of five (5) years unless terminated by either Participant after giving notice to the other Participant in writing through diplomatic channels at least six months prior to the intended date of termination.

Signed in duplicate in Riga, Latvia on 27 May 2024, in the English language.


For the Department of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of the Philippines

Sgd.
H.E. Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz
Ambassador of the Philippines to Latvia

For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Latvia


Sgd.
Honorable Andris Pelšs
State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Name, surname, position of the signatory Name, surname, position of the signatory

Entry into Force: May 27, 2024

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