MEMORANDUM

OF UNDERSTANDING ON BILATERAL POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

("Off. Herald of RS - Treaties", No. 5/2022)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",

Guided by the principles of independence, sovereign equality and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and mutual assistance in agreed fields,

Desiring to develop and strengthen relations between the two countries, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,

Reaffirming the adherence to the obligations and principles under international law and the common objective to promote respect for the rule of law in international relations,

Recognizing the importance of promoting understanding and cooperation in areas considered to be of mutual interest by the Parties,

Desirous of strengthening their cooperation in order to promote international peace and security, peaceful settlement of disputes, democratization of international relations and upholding human rights and dignity,

Conscious of the need to broaden exchange of views on bilateral cooperation and on regional and international issues of mutual interest,

Have agreed as follows:


Article 1

Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum is to facilitate the holding of periodic consultations between the Parties to review and examine aspects of their bilateral relations, and to exchange views on international issues of mutual interest.

Article 2

Consultations Mechanism

1. Consultations are held once every two (2) years, alternately in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Maldives. The modalities of consultations and details concerning the date, place, agenda and level of representatives shall be agreed through diplomatic channels.

2. The Parties shall ensure the confidentiality of the consultation outcomes, documents and exchanged information, and agree not to transfer or share these with a third party without the prior written consent of the other Party.

3. The Parties may establish working groups and meetings of experts to discuss specific areas of mutual interest.

4. The Parties shall bear their respective expenses for participation in the meetings, including round trip transportation to the meeting place and accommodation, unless otherwise is agreed upon, and the host Party shall provide the necessary venue for holding the consultation.

Article 3

Scope of Cooperation

The Parties shall consult and exchange views on matters of common interest, including:

1. Consolidation and deepening of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, scientific, cultural and educational fields, within the competence of the Parties;

2. Topics related to the strengthening of the economic-commercial relationship, to take advantage of business or investment opportunities between both countries, through actions aimed at promoting exports, attracting investment and promoting tourism, within the competence of the Parties;

3. Regional and global issues considered important by the Parties;

4. Themes pertaining to the United Nations agenda, or of particular importance discussed in the framework of other international forums;

5. Topics related to the revision and implementation of agreements signed by the Parties;

6. Other topics of common interest.

Article 4

Final Provisions

1. This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force on the date of its signature by the Parties.

2. This Memorandum of Understanding shall remain in force for an indefinite period of time, unless one of the Parties officially notify the other of its intention to suspend or terminate it, at least six (6) months prior to the intended date of suspension or termination.

3. Any amendment or revision of the text of this Memorandum of Understanding will be done in writing by mutual consent of the Parties through diplomatic channels. The modification shall enter into force on the day of its signing and shall constitute an integral part of this Memorandum of Understanding.

Done in Belgrade, on 6th of November 2022, in two original copies in English language.

For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Serbia

 

For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Maldives