MEMORANDUMOF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC IN THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT("Off. Herald of RS - Treaties", No. 6/2019) |
The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Environment and Energy of the Hellenic Republic,
Hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",
Aware of the regional and global implications of environmental protection and the urgency to find lasting solutions through international and regional cooperation, as well as of the importance of coordinating joint activities of the two countries,
Recognizing that bilateral cooperation can serve as a strong foundation to deepen cooperation and respect through mutual efforts of both Parties, which would contribute to efficient achievement of their national and international sectoral targets and to improvement of the state of environment in both countries while at the same time contributing to multilateral cooperation,
Respecting and acting in accordance with the national legislation of both Parties and the principles of international environmental law,
Wishing to strengthen cooperation in the framework of the international multilateral conventions and protocols on environment that both countries are signatories of as well as wishing to promote the implementation of the provisions of international related frameworks and processes such as the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Convinced that cooperation between the two Parties in the field of environment protection and sustainable development is of mutual benefit further improving friendly relations between the two countries,
Aware of the responsibility to safeguard natural resources and ensure sustainable development for present and future generations,
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
The Parties express their willingness to promote scientific, technical and business to business cooperation for the protection of the environment and promotion of sustainable development in areas of mutual interest, in good faith, on the basis of reciprocity and in accordance to their respective national legislation.
Article 2
The Parties shall seek to promote their bilateral cooperation in the following areas:
- Protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources;
- Integration of environmental considerations into sectoral policies promoting green economy and sustainable development including the implementation of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation to climate change impacts;
- Air quality especially in city centers;
- Waste management including industrial and municipal waste, and recycling;
- Soil remediation;
- Promotion of Integrated Water Resources Management including pollution prevention and wastewater treatment;
- Biodiversity protection and management of protected and ecologically sensitive areas;
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy sources;
- Industrial pollution control and risk management;
- Education and awareness raising;
- Transposition and implementation of the EU environmental aquis;
- And other areas of environmental protection as mutually deemed appropriate.
Article 3
Cooperation between the Parties under this Memorandum shall be conducted in the following forms:
- Exchange of know-how, experiences, good practices, relevant information and materials in the field of environment protection and sustainable development taking into account the above mentioned areas;
- Exchange visits of government representatives, experts and other official delegates;
- Joint organization of seminars, workshops and meetings attended by government representatives, scientists, experts, businesses and other stakeholders concerned;
- Preparation and implementation of joint programmes, projects and activities:
- Other forms of technical and scientific cooperation as mutually agreed upon.
Article 4
To implement the Memorandum, the Parties shall encourage Government to Government cooperation as well as the establishment of contacts, as appropriate, between relevant institutions, organizations and enterprises in both countries.
Article 5
To ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum, the Parties shall regularly review the progress achieved and the areas of cooperation set above.
Each Party shall, within three (3) months from the signature date, appoint a coordinator to be responsible for the activities under this Memorandum.
The coordinators shall hold regular meetings once every year alternately in the two countries, the Republic of Serbia and the Hellenic Republic. Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, the international travel expenses incurred by participation in the above-mentioned meetings shall be borne by the Party sending a delegation.
Article 6
Cooperative activities under this Memorandum shall be implemented according to financial resources available to the Parties and the laws applicable in their countries. Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, each Party shall bear the cost for carrying out its own activities under this Memorandum.
Article 7
Nothing in this Memorandum shall affect the obligations of the Parties under any other bilateral and multilateral agreements.
Article 8
Disputes concerning the interpretation or application of this Memorandum shall be settled through direct negotiations between the Parties.
Article 9
Pursuant to the laws of each country, with the consent of both Parties, the results and information produced in cooperation under the Memorandum could be accessible to third parties.
Article 10
The Memorandum is concluded for an indefinite period of time and shall enter into force on the date of signature.
This Memorandum may be terminated upon written notification by one of the Parties to the other, the termination being effective six (6) mounts after the receipt of the relevant written notice.
Done in Belgrade on 28.03.2019, in two (2) originals, each in Serbian, Greek and English language, all texts being equally authentic.
For the Ministry of |
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For the Ministry of Environment |