Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Co-operation in the Field of Tourism

The Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan (hereinafter referred to as "Parties"),

recognising the importance of tourism development and its contribution to economic, cultural and social life of the two states,

willing to establish the legal framework on the principles of equality and mutual benefit for the close and long-term co-operation in the field of tourism and to develop relations in this field not only between the states, but also between their tourism organisations in order to create a common space for tourism development,

taking into account that the promotion of tourism between the two states follows the principle of sustainable development,

in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation signed 3^rd October 2005 at Baku,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties shall strengthen and develop co-operation in the field of tourism on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, in accordance with this Agreement, national legislation and complying with all commitments following from international agreements.

Article 2

1. The Parties shall take specific care in developing and strengthening the relations in the field of tourism with a view to improving mutual knowledge of the history and culture of both states.

2. The Parties shall favour closer mutual co-operation between their national tourism administrations, natural and legal persons engaged in tourism business as well as public tourism organisations participating in the development of international and domestic tourism.

3. The Parties shall assist both public and private organisations as well as natural persons in the preparation of various tourism development studies and projects.

Article 3

1. The Parties shall mutually exchange information and knowledge in the field of tourism including:

a) Laws and regulations in the field of tourism of the respective countries;

b) Laws and regulations related to the protection of cultural and natural resources of touristic value;

c) Tourism state policy planning, other documentation and studies concerning the development of tourism.

d) Statistics;

e) Tourism promotional activities and materials, tools for development, realization and carrying out impact measurements of promotional actions.

2. The Parties shall encourage the organisation of study trips for journalists, radio and television reporters, researchers and specialists in the field of tourism.

3. The Parties shall stimulate the organisation of seminars, colloquiums and working groups on tourism items, which have been presented by the Party interested, with the aim of exchanging ideas and experiences.

Article 4

The Parties shall encourage the co-operation in domestic and international scientific and applied tourism research. The Parties shall encourage the upgrading of tourism industry skills by co-operating in education, training and exchange of experts, personnel and students in the tourism sector.

Article 5

The Parties shall make any effort to further develop co-operation between their respective bodies also in the context of the international organizations operating in the sector of tourism and exchange information on the results achieved.

Article 6

The implementation of this Agreement shall be ensured through participation of the governmental officials responsible for tourism from both states in the work of the Intergovernmental Commission between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Azerbaijan on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation. The aim of their work shall be the implementation of joint proposals, actions and programmes linked to the development of bilateral co-operation in the field of tourism.

Article 7

The alterations and amendments to this Agreement shall be made on the basis of the mutual consent of the Parties, which will be drawn up as separate protocols that form an integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force in accordance with provisions of Article 9 of this Agreement.

Article 8

Any dispute between the Parties concerning the interpretation or application of this Agreement shall be settled by negotiations or by any other means of dispute settlement acceptable to the Parties.

Article 9

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of receipt of the last written notification through diplomatic channels by which the Parties inform each other that the internal legal requirements necessary for its entry into force have been fulfilled.

2. This Agreement shall be valid for a period of five (5) years and shall be automatically extended for another subsequent period of five (5) years unless either Party informs the other Party in writing of its intention to terminate this Agreement six months before the expire date of the respective period.

3. The termination of this Agreement shall not affect the implementation of programs and projects that have been launched during the period of its validity, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Parties.

Done at Baku on August "10" 2009 in two original copies, each in Latvian, Azerbaijani and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence of interpretation of this Agreement the English text shall prevail.