MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS ON ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIP…
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar,
hereinafter referred to individually as “Participant” and collectively as “Participants”
Seeking to expand and enhance bilateral relations based on principles of respect for sovereignty of states, equality of rights and non-interference in internal affairs,
Recognizing the importance of consultation and exchange of views on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, and
Desirous to further consolidate the procedures for a political consultation process between them, in order to strengthen fraternal and friendly relations and encourage continued cooperation between their respective countries,
Have reached the following understanding:
Paragraph (1)
The Foreign Ministers of the two countries, or their respective senior representatives, will hold regular consultations on bilateral relations and international issues of common interest in order to exchange information and views about developments that affect their respective countries.
The consultations will be on the following issues:
- Discussion on bilateral relations, regional and international issues of common interest;
- Deepening and expanding political, economic, commercial, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation;
- Issues on the agenda of the international organizations in which countries participate as members;
- Monitoring the implementation of the agreements concluded between the two Participants and finding suitable solutions for resulting problems arising from their implementation;
- Facilitating the exchange of information and expertise that is conducive to the expansion of the cooperation between the two countries; and
- Discussing other topics that could be jointly decided by the Participants.
Paragraph (2)
The Participants will determine and agree on the dates, venue, level of representation, and agenda of each round of each Consultations, which will be held alternately in the Republic of the Philippines and in the State of Qatar. The Participants may also decide to hold consultations at the sidelines of official meetings of international organizations or fora.
Paragraph (3)
The two Participants agree, when necessary, to hold meetings between diplomatic personnel of each Participant. The agreement on the terms and conditions of these meetings will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels, and the focus of these meetings will be on the issues identified in Paragraph (1) of this Memorandum of Understanding.
Paragraph (4)
The Participants will intensify contacts among the diplomatic missions of both Participants accredited to a third State, as well as among their Permanent Missions to the United Nations and other international organizations, for the purpose of exchanging views on the areas specified in Paragraph (1) of this MOU and in accordance with the terms and conditions already stated through the diplomatic channels.
Paragraph (5)
The two Participants shall encourage and facilitate cooperation between their research institutions associated with international relations.
Paragraph (6)
Any dispute that may arise between the two Participants in relation to the interpretation or application of this Memorandum of Understanding, will be settled through amicable consultations and negotiations between both Participants.
Paragraph (7)
This Memorandum of Understanding or any text of its provisions may be amended through a mutual written agreement between the two Participants, in accordance with the legal procedures applicable in both countries.
Paragraph (8)
This Memorandum of Understanding is a statement of the Participants’ intent and will not give rise to legal rights or obligations for the Participants, in accordance with international law.
Paragraph (9)
This Memorandum of Understanding will take effect on the date of signature. It will remain valid for a period of five (5) years and will be automatically renewed for a similar period unless one of the Participants notifies the other Participant, in writing, of its intention to suspend or terminate it at least six (6) months before the date of termination.
The termination or expiration of this Memorandum of Understanding will not prejudice the completion of ongoing activities unless the two Participants decide otherwise.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, duly authorized thereto by their respective governments, have signed this Memorandum.
Signed at Manila on 03 December 2019 AD, in two originals, in English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authentic, in case of divergence, the English text shall prevail.
For the Department of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of the PhilippinesFor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the State of Qatar
Entry into Force: December 3, 2019