MEMORANDUMOF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND WATER MANAGEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA АND THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF CUSTOMS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON COOPERATION IN PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF AVIAN INFLUENZA("Off. Herald of RS - Treaties", No. 3/2024) |
In order to promote collaboration between the two nations, prevent the spread of Avian Influenza (AI), and promote the trade of poultry and poultry products between the two countries, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water management of the Republic of Serbia (hereinafter referred to as the "MAFWM") and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the "GACC"), through candid and friendly negotiation, have reached a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation in prevention and control of AI as follows:
Article 1
The Parties agree to conduct friendly cooperation in the prevention and control of AI in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries and the relevant standards, guidelines and recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
The activities of this Memorandum of Understanding are without prejudice the rights and obligations of the Parties in other international agreements that have been signed.
Article 2
Based on the principles of science and safety, the Parties agree to cooperate in the prevention and control of AI:
1. MAFWM has developed and efficiently implemented the national AI surveillance program according to the requirements of WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code;
2. MAFWM has established a complete poultry identity traceability system, which can effectively trace poultry from breeding to slaughter and processing;
3. GACC conducts AI detection in accordance with relevant domestic laws, consults regulations and standards the relevant principles of WOAH, and timely reports any substandard to MAFWM.
4. In the event of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry in the Republic of Serbia, MAFWM shall, at the same time as notifying the WOAH, immediately notify GACC and provide GACC with information on the emergency response to the outbreak, avian influenza prevention, surveillance, control, immunization and culling.
5. Technical exchanges, cooperation and mutual visits, training courses and seminars in the field of AI prevention and control between the Parties will be encouraged.
6. Exchanges and cooperation in the field of rapid detection technology and formulation of detection standards for AI among AI testing laboratories and other relevant research and testing institutions of the Parties will be encouraged.
7. Other cooperation matters deemed necessary by the Parties.
Article 3
1. This Memorandum of Understanding is the basis for the Parties to carry out cooperation in the prevention and control of AI. The quarantine requirements for specific trade commodities shall be subject to the Protocol signed by the Parties.
2. For the effective implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Parties can, if necessary, set up a technical working group on AI,which shall be responsible for carrying out specific technical communication and activities in the field of prevention and control of AI, including planning, implementation, supervision and cooperation.
3. The meeting of the Technical Working Group may be held as necessary to address issues in bilateral cooperation through technical exchanges and consultations in the field of prevention and control of AI.
4. The competent authorities for implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding are:
In the People’s Republic of China: The Department of Inspection on Animal and Plant Quarantine under the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China;
In the Republic of Serbia: The Veterinary Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia.
Article 4
This Memorandum of Understanding does not constitute a treaty under relevant international law.
Article 5
VALIDITY, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
1. This Memorandum of Understanding shall come into force on the date of signature by the Parties and shall continue in effect for 5 (five) years. If neither Party give a written notice requesting termination to the other Party 6 (six) months prior to its expiry date, this Memorandum of Understanding will be automatically extended for another 5 (five) years.
2. This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended and supplemented at any time through negotiation with consent of the Parties.
This Memorandum of Understanding is signed in Belgrade on 2024/5/8, in duplicate, each in Serbian, Chinese and English, all texts being equally authentic. In case of any difference in interpretation, the English text shall prevail.
For The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry |
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For The General Administration of Customs |