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 THE RE…
The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, hereinafter referred to as “The Participants”,
SEEKING to expand and enhance bilateral relations based on the principles of respect for sovereignty of States, equality of rights, and non-interference in internal affairs;
WISHING to contribute to the development of relations between the Participants, in accordance with the objectives and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963;
RECOGNIZING the importance of consultations and exchange of views on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest; and
WISHING to establish and further facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation;
Have reached the following understanding:
Paragraph 1
Purpose
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.
Paragraph 2
Bilateral Consultations
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1.
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The Participants will establish and hold regular consultations on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.
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2.
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The Participants will mutually determine and agree on the dates, venue, level of representation and agenda of each consultation, at least six (6) weeks in advance, through diplomatic channels. The consultations may be chaired by the respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Ministers, Directors, Heads of Departments, or Assistant Secretaries of the Participants.
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By mutual agreement, expert working groups may be formed to consider specific or urgent matters.
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4.
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The Participants will establish and promote contacts between their diplomatic and consular missions, with a view to exchanging opinions on topics of mutual interest.
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The consultations may also take place in a third country on the occasion of an international conference or meeting participated in by both Participants. The Participants may also decide to hold consultations through their Permanent Representatives at the United Nations in New York or at any other international organization.
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Paragraph 3
Scope of Cooperation
At the consultation meetings, the Participants will exchange views on bilateral, international and regional issues, and developments of common concern, and whenever necessary, the Participants will discuss bilateral cooperation in regional and international matters.
Paragraph 4
Expenses
Each Party will bear the expenses derived from the travels made by their officials.
Paragraph 5
Confidentiality
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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.
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The Participants agree that 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.
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Paragraph 6
Consultations
Should there be any divergence on the interpretation or implementation of this MOU, the Participants shall immediately consult with each other to settle the matter amicably through diplomatic channels.
Paragraph 7
Status
This MOU is not intended to create any legally binding obligations under international law. It will not in any way affect the obligations of each country under international conventions to which that country is a party.
Paragraph 8
Final Provisions
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This MOU shall come into effect on the date of signature.
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This MOU shall be in effect for a period of five (5) years and shall be automatically renewed for a similar period, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the Participants. This MOU may also be suspended or terminated by either Participant, provided a 60-day prior written notice is provided to the other Participant.
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This MOU may be amended at any time by mutual written consent of the Participants. Such amendment or revision shall come into effect in accordance with Paragraph 7(1).
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The signing of this MOU repeals and supersedes the Memorandum of Understanding on Consultations and Cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba signed on 10 April 2000.
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Done in duplicate in Manila, Philippines, this 13th day of December 2023, in the English and Spanish languages, each version being equally valid.
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For the Department of Foreign Affairs of
The Republic of the Philippines |
For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Cuba |
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(Sgd.)
ENRIQUE A. MANALO Secretary of Foreign Affairs |
(Sgd.)
FLORENTINO BATISTA GONZALEZ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of the Philippines |
Entry into Force: December 13, 2023