MEMORANDUMOF UNDERSTANDING ON ENHANCED COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE OF HUNGARY("Off. Herald of RS - Treaties", No. 15/2015) |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",
Bearing in mind the strategic partnership and the excellent neighbourly relations between the Republic of Serbia and Hungary, based on shared values, principles and endeavours,
Acknowledging the importance of strengthening the dialogue and cooperation between the two countries on political, economic, infrastructural and other issues of mutual interest,
Recalling the importance of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region ("EUSDR") as a cooperation framework established for the integrated development of Danube River basin, and as a tool for the EU-integration of EUSDR’s non-EU member states,
Sharing the objective of the Republic of Serbia to become a Member State of the European Union,
Sharing a strong interest in the enhancement of security and stability in our region,
Aiming at further developing the mutually advantageous cooperation between people and economic entities, as well as deepening and strengthening the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries,
Welcoming the conclusion of the agreement between institutes responsible for research in the area of foreign policy and economy,
Encouraging the cooperation between relevant institutions aiming at facilitation of training of diplomats and government officials of the two countries,
Agreeing to enhance cooperation in the field of culture which may contribute to a stronger bond between the two countries,
have agreed as follows,
Article 1
Ministers and high ranking officials of the Parties will hold regular consultations regarding bilateral, regional, security and other relevant international issues of mutual interest with the aim to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and ensure better understanding of each other’s position on regional and international issues.
Ministers will hold consultations as frequently as necessary. High ranking officials of the Parties will meet on a regular basis, at least once a year.
The level of representation, place, date, venues and subject matters of such consultations shall be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
Article 2
Subject of bilateral consultations referred to Article 1 shall include - inter alia - issues concerning the intensification of the cooperation between the two countries in political, economic and cultural fields, as well as issues related to common infrastructural projects, energy security or national minorities in Serbia and Hungary.
Article 3
Consultations between the officials of the two Parties will also cover matters of mutual interest in areas, such as:
- promoting Serbia’s EU accession process and facilitating the cooperation between the Parties in view of facilitating Serbia’s accession to EU, including cooperation concerning EU-financed projects aiming at legal harmonisation and institution building, having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of Hungary on promoting Serbia’s European Union Integration, signed in Belgrade, on June 10, 2010,
- promoting cross-border cooperation,
- strengthening people-to-people contacts between Hungary and Serbia, including cultural cooperation,
- cooperation in consular affairs and in the area of justice, security and freedom, including fight against terrorism and management of migratory flows affecting the two countries,
- consultation on areas of common interest and possibilities for cooperation in the framework of various regional initiatives (e.g. Central European Initiative, EU Strategy for the Danube Region etc),
- cooperation regarding the implementation of multilateral agreements to which both countries are parties,
- examination of the possibilities of diplomatic contribution to the maintenance and promotion of the common cultural heritage,
- exchange of views on security policy issues, including regional security and stability in particular,
- exploring the possibilities of strengthening cooperation on NATO-PfP and CSDP related matters,
- strengthening cooperation with the aim to mutually assist each other’s position in foreign markets or to establish common actions in markets of third countries,
- exchange of views and best practice concerning foreign trade policy.
Article 4
Parties will hold consultations with the aim to facilitate and promote bilateral trade, investment and infrastructural activities between the two countries.
Article 5
Parties agree to enhance cooperation concerning consolidation of positions on issues of mutual interest within the international organizations, including UN, OSCE and Council of Europe, which have a central role in establishing and sustaining global peace, security and prosperity. Consultations may be initiated on matters of particular importance for one of the Parties.
Article 6
The Parties will also examine ways to encourage the respective authorities and institutions of their governments to conclude bilateral agreements in different fields of mutual interest.
Article 7
The Parties will examine ways to promote and develop mutual cooperation between the relevant institutions aimed at better education and training of the diplomats and government officials of the two countries.
The Parties will examine ways to facilitate exchange of diplomats, government officials and experts on a reciprocal basis.
Diplomats, government officials or experts of one Party may participate in conferences and roundtables organised or hosted by the other Party. The Parties shall duly inform each other of such events of possible mutual interests.
Article 8
As a general rule, either Party shall bear the expenses of the above cooperation, or if the Parties so decide, the issue shall be addressed on the basis of reciprocity.
Parties shall eventually seek for funding of the planned events from the programs (e.g TAIEX, Twinning) of the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA).
Article 9
The present Memorandum of Understanding shall become effective on the day of its signing and shall remain in force for an indefinite period of time, until one of the Parties via diplomatic channels notifies the other Party of its intention to terminate it in a written form. In the latter case, this Agreement will be terminated 90 days after the receipt of the notification by the other Party.
This document may be amended by the mutual written consent of the Parties, by an exchange of diplomatic notes. The modification shall enter into force on the day of its signing and shall constitute an integral part of this document.
Article 10
Any dispute regarding implementation or interpretation of this document shall be resolved between the Parties by means of consultations or negotiations. No provision of this document shall be interpreted and implemented as creating legal rights or commitments for the states or citizens of the Parties.
Signed in Budapest, on 1st July 2015, in two original copies, both in English.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs |
Minister of Foreign Affairs |