MEMORANDUMOF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS FOR CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION ("Off. Herald of RS - Treaties", No. 1/2019) |
The Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus (hereinafter each individually referred to as the "Participant" and collectively as "the Participants"):
AIMING at further development of bilateral relations and continually strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest in the field of European integration,
SHARING European values and the principles of partner relations,
TAKING into account the membership of the Republic of Cyprus in the European Union and status of a candidate country and ongoing accession negotiations between the Republic of Serbia and the European Union, which started on 21 January 2014,
CONVINCED that mutual contacts and exchange of views and experiences related to the European integration process between the representatives of the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus will contribute to the further deepening of friendly relations between the two States,
SUPPORTING a process of enlargement of European Union, a credible enlargement perspective for candidate countries and efforts of candidate countries to achieve standards and obligations which derive from negotiation process,
EMPHASIZING the significance and usefulness of dialogue concerning issues of mutual interests and the importance of more active cooperation in the European integration process,
Have reached the following understanding:
Paragraph 1
The Participants will develop cooperation in the following areas of mutual interest:
a) Sharing the Cyprus’s experience in the field of the European integration process, process of accession negotiations and membership;
b) Institution-building;
c) Encouraging the relevant institutions of each Participant to cooperate further in order to improve the activities in the field of European integration process;
d) Encouraging the relevant institutions within each Government of the two States to cooperate in European Union coordination;
e) Training and improving the professional qualification and expertise of civil servants;
f) Encouraging the relevant institutions within each Government to cooperate in transfer of knowledge and experiences in different fields of the European Union acquis;
g) Encouraging the creation of bilateral projects funded or co-funded by the European Union;
h) Exchanging information on issues of mutual interest.
Paragraph 2
The Participants will cooperate mainly through:
a) organization of regular consultations of the representatives of the relevant Sectors of the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus;
b) organization of joint events: conferences, consultations, meetings, round tables and other fora with the participation of experts and officials of the two Participants;
c) training through the organization of seminars, courses and professional practice related to the European integration matters;
d) targeted study tours to and training programmes in the Republic of Cyprus;
a) visits of Cyprus experts to the Republic of Serbia;
b) staff exchanges in sectors of mutual interests;
c) institutional capacity building.
Paragraph 3
This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as "MoU") does not create any legally binding rights or obligations under international law in accordance with Paragraph 6 of this Memorandum.
Paragraph 4
The detailed activities for each year of the implementation of this ΜoU will be identified and agreed in regular communication between Participants.
Paragraph 5
The target beneficiaries will be government officials and other key stakeholders involved in the European integration process in the identified key sectors.
Paragraph 6
The provisions of this Memorandum will not affect the rights and obligations of the Participants stemming from international agreements in force that they have entered into with other states and organizations as well as from their membership to international and/or regional organisations, particularly regional economic integration organisations, including, for the Republic of Cyprus, the European Union. Either Participant will contribute to the implementation of the cooperation provided for by this Memorandum in accordance with its national legislation, its own available financial capacities and by providing financial assistance from international sources.
Paragraph 7
This Memorandum will come into effect on the day of signature and it will remain in effect for an indefinite period.
The Memorandum may be amended at any time by the mutual written consent of the Participants.
This Memorandum may be terminated by either Participant unilaterally, by informing the other Participant by submitting a written notice at least three months in advance, through diplomatic channels. The termination of this Memorandum will not affect any programs and activities undertaken prior to the termination, unless otherwise decided to by the Participants.
This Memorandum has been signed in two original copies in English language.
Done in Nicosia, on 30th November 2018.
For the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia |
For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus |