Memorandum of Understanding
BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ICELAND
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN
ON PRINCIPLES FOR LOCATING DIPLOMATS
WITHIN THE PREMISES OF THE PARTIES' MISSIONS

CONSIDERING -

- that the Nordic and the Baltic countries are linked by common cultural, historical and economic ties, as well as common interests to ensure stability, security and welfare in the Baltic Sea region, in Europe and all over the world;

- the close political dialogue and valuable practical co-operation between the Nordic and the Baltic countries that has been in effect since the beginning of the 1990's;

- that the Nordic-Baltic cooperation could and should complement other forms of cooperation and be based on a pragmatic approach;

- the need to develop a flexible and cost-effective foreign service in a dynamic and globalised world.

The Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Government of the Republic of Estonia, the Government of the Republic of Finland, the Government of the Republic of Iceland, the Government of the Republic of Latvia, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the Government of the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden, (hereinafter - "the Parties" (Party in the singular)) have agreed on the following:

Article 1

This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter - "MoU") shall constitute a framework for cooperation between the Parties regarding the locating of diplomatic agents and consular officers within the premises of another Party's mission in a third country. Such cooperation shall be in compliance with the 1961Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations or the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, respectively, and in all cases be subject to the third country's approval.

Article 2

For the purposes of this MoU,

Diplomat means, a diplomatic agent or consular officer of a mission or consular post in the foreign service of one of the Parties accredited in a third country;

Mission means, the mission or consular post of one of the Parties in a third country where a Diplomat of another Party's country is located.

Article 3

A bilateral agreement shall be concluded between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the two Parties for the locating of a Diplomat within the premises of a Mission. Such an agreement shall regulate:

- the use by the Diplomat of the premises and facilities of the Mission,

- the use by the Diplomat of the expertise and contact network of the Mission,

- the share of costs between the Parties and payment of expenses,

- the use of flags and emblems,

- inviolability and confidentiality of the office space, archives and communication, including computer systems and means of communication, of the Diplomat in relation to the Mission,

- inviolability and confidentiality of the office space, archives and communication, including computer systems and means of communication, of the Mission in relation to the Diplomat.

Article 4

The Parties shall take necessary measures, to the extent possible with regard to their national legislation, to facilitate the conclusion of the bilateral agreements in accordance with Article 3.

Article 5

Any dispute regarding the interpretation or application of this MoU shall be resolved by consultations between the Parties.

Article 6

This MoU comes into effect 30 days after the day on which the Parties have notified the depositary that their respective constitutional requirements have been fulfilled.

This MoU shall remain in force for an indefinite period of time. Any Party may at any time denounce this MoU by written notification to the depositary. Such denunciation shall become effective 30 days after the date of the notification. The depositary shall inform all Parties of the receipt of notifications under this Article and of the date of the coming into effect of this MoU.

Accession of other States to this MoU shall be subject to the agreement of all Parties.

Article 7

The original text of this MoU shall be deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia which shall deliver certified copies thereof to each of the Parties.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this MoU.

Done in Helsinki on the 30^th August 2011 in one original in the English language.