MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS MECHANISM BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND TH…
The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, 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 Ireland to give new dimensions to this cooperation
Have reached the following understanding:
PARAGRAPH I
Purpose
The Participants will hold bilateral consultations on bilateral cooperation and regional matters and on international issues of common interest every year, or at any time mutually convenient to both Participants.
PARAGRAPH II
Bilateral Consultations
1. The consultations will be hosted alternately in Manila and Dublin or by joint decision in a third country on the occasion of an international conference 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 respective heads of delegation will be at a senior level. The composition of the members of the respective delegations will be decided by the Participants through diplomatic channels.
3. The mode of consultations may be virtual or in person and will be decided by the Participants through diplomatic channels. If in-person, 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
The proposed agenda of the consultations will be decided by the Participants through diplomatic channels.
At the consultation meetings, the Participants will review and evaluate the developments in the political, economic, consular, cultural, and other areas of bilateral relations and exchange views to further enhance these relations. The Participants may also share views on international and regional issues of common concern, and when necessary, seek the views of either side on bilateral cooperation in regional or international matters.
PARAGRAPH IV
Status
This MOU records the commitments of the Participants; it does not create any legally binding- obligations. It will not in any way affect the obligations of each State under international treaties to which that State is a party.
PARAGRAPH V
Confidentiality
Without prejudice to the national laws of the Participants
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 this MOU or any other implementing arrangements made pursuant to this MOU.
2. The Participants agree that this Paragraph shall remain effective 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.
PARAGRAPH VI
Final Provisions
1. This MOU shall come into effect on the date of signature of both Participants and will remain effective for three (3) years.
2. This MOU shall be automatically renewed for a similar period, unless otherwise jointly decided by the Participants.
3. This MOU may be suspended or terminated by either Participant, provided a 60-day prior written notice is provided to the other Participant. This MOU may be terminated at any time by mutual acceptance of the Participants.
4. This MOU may also be amended at any time by joint decision of the Participants. Such amendment will come into effect in accordance with item 1 of this Paragraph.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Memorandum of Understanding.
Done in Manila, on 11 August 2023, in two original copies in the English language.
For the Department of Foreign Affairs For the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines of Ireland (Sgd.) (Sgd.) H.E. Enrique A. Manalo H.E. William John Carlos Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ambassador of Ireland to the Philippines
Entry into Force: August 11, 2023