AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN IN THE FIELD OF SPORT

("Off. Herald of RS - Treaties", No. 9/2024)

Preamble

The Government of the Republic of Serbia

And

The Government of the Republic of Benin

Hereinafter jointly referred to as the "Parties" and separately as the "Party "

Considering the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries;

Wishing to promote bilateral relations in the field of sports in order to strengthen cooperation and understanding between the sports organizations of the countries,

Agree as follows:

Article 1

Purpose

This Agreement aims to establish the bases for cooperation between the Parties in the field of sports.

Article 2

Competent authorities

For the purposes of implementing this Agreement, the Parties designate the following competent authorities:

- for the Republic of Serbia: the Ministry of Sports, and

- for the Republic of Benin: the Ministry of Sports.

Article 3

Areas of cooperation

Subject to their national legislation, the Parties shall promote the exchange of expertise in the following areas:

1. institutional cooperation;

2. science and technology, especially digital, applied to sports;

3. sports medicine;

4. combating negative phenomena in sports;

5. organization of sporting events;

6. training of sports specialists:

7. development of children, youth and women sports, particularly in schools;

8. participation of citizens in sports through the development and improvement of sports leisure activities;

9. development and improvement of high-level sports;

10. sports infrastructure;

11. sports tourism, and

12 all other areas to be agreed by the Parties.

Article 4

Terms of cooperation

The Parties agree that cooperation in the field of sports referred to in Article 1 of this Agreement shall be implemented through:

1. exchange of specialists and experts:

2. participation in courses, seminars, symposia and congresses in the field of sports organized in each country and presenting a common interest;

3. cooperation in the training of personnel performing various functions in the sports fields;

4. participation of sports delegations from either country in sporting events organized respectively in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Benin;

5. exchange of information and experiences in sports;

6. organization of advanced training courses in the field of elite sport; and

7. development of sports tourism.

Article 5

Exchange of information and experiences

In accordance with Article 3 of this Agreement, the Parties agree to:

1. collect information and exchange views in the field of sports through consultations on issues of common interest;

2. provide information on experience gained in planning and construction of sports facilities and equipment;

3. exchange information, through periodical and other publications, on sporting matters of common interest;

4. provide information on seminars, congresses and other meetings in the field of sports which may be held in each country;

5. support activities relating to sport for all, municipal sport and channel the practice of these activities through the competent authorities; and

6. support the exchange of information between the various national sports organizations.

Article 6

Sports tourism

The Parties organize visits to the two countries in order to strengthen cooperation in the field of sports tourism, particularly on the occasion of the sporting events that they organize.

Article 7

Institutional Cooperation

The Parties shall encourage mutual cooperation and support in the field of sports within international organizations and institutions.

Article 8

Implementation

Additional protocols or separate arrangements may be concluded by the Parties on specific issues. Such additional protocols shall form an integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force on the date of their signing by the Parties.

Article 9

Monitoring of implementation

The Parties shall establish a joint committee responsible for monitoring the implementation of this Agreement made up of three (3) representatives from each of them.

The joint committee is responsible for the promotion, coordination and monitoring of sports cooperation activities between the two countries.

It meets in ordinary session once every two (2) years alternately in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Benin and in extraordinary session whenever necessary. It can hold its meetings remotely, provided that the technologies used guarantee the reliability and integrity of discussions.

The place, modalities and agenda of the meetings referred to in paragraph 3 of this article shall be determined by mutual agreement and through diplomatic channels.

Unless otherwise agreed, each Party shall bear the expenses related to its participation in the implementation of this Agreement.

Article 10

Financial Arrangements

All activities provided for in this Agreement shall be financed according to the financial availability of each Party and in accordance with the laws of the two countries. The Parties agree through consultations on the financial obligations and the schedule of planned events.

Article 11

Scope

The implementation of this Agreement shall not affect the performance of the Parties’ obligations arising from international, bilateral and multilateral agreements to which they are bound or which arise from their respective membership of international or regional organizations.

Article 12

Settlement of Disputes

Any dispute relating to the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled amicably through diplomatic channels.

Article 13

Amendment

This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent of the Parties, by means of an exchange of letters specifying the effective date of the amendments.

Article 14

Duration, entry into force and termination

This Agreement shall come into force upon signing by the Parties and be valid for a period of five (5) years, renewable by tacit agreement.

This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either Party by written notice three (3) months before the intended date of termination.

The termination does not affect projects and programs currently being implemented, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.

Done at Belgrade, on 6 November 2024, in two (2) original copies, each in the Serbian, French and English languages, the three (3) texts being equally authentic. In case of any inconsistency in interpretation, the English version shall prevail.

For the Government
of the Republic of Serbia
Zoran Gajic
Minister of Sports

 

For the Government
of the Republic of Benin
Olushegun ADJADI BAKARI
Minister of Foreign Affairs