AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON CO‑OPERATIONIN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

The Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the Parties)

NOTING the existing successful co-operation in education between the Parties, in particular the established personal contacts and contacts between institutions, implemented exchanges and joint projects,

DESIRING to strengthen and further develop the friendly relations in the field of education between the two countries,

CONVINCED that lasting and fruitful co‑operation in the field of education will contribute to the enhancement of education and social development, as well as strengthening the ties between the two countries,

HAVE AGREED as follows:

Article 1

The Parties, based on the principles of mutual respect and partnership, shall encourage and support different forms of co‑operation in the field of education, including co‑operation between the relevant departments and institutions of the two countries.

Article 2

The Parties shall promote the exchange of information on the systems of education, national laws and regulations in force in the field of education, planned and implemented reforms, and other relevant information that is needed to implement successful co-operation of both Parties.

Article 3

The Parties shall support and promote co-operation in the field of higher education. Within such co‑operation, the Parties shall:

1) promote the establishment of direct contacts, exchange of information and experience between the higher education institutions;

2) facilitate the exchange of text-books, publications, periodicals, scientific publications, documents and other information sources related to higher education;

3) facilitate the exchange of officials, academic staff, experts and specialists for visits or to participate in seminars, symposiums and conferences and to share experience, know-how and best practices;

4) encourage the organization and participation in joint projects, international conferences, fora, seminars, symposiums, exhibitions, workshops and other events on the topics of mutual interest.

Article 4

The Parties shall offer each other scholarships for the exchange of students, academic staff and researchers for bachelor, master and doctoral studies and research at the higher education institutions and for participation in international summer schools based on the principle of reciprocity.

Article 5

The Parties shall support and promote co-operation in the field of vocational education and training. Within such co-operation, the Parties shall:

1) promote establishment of direct contacts and exchange of information and experience between vocational education and training institutions;

2) facilitate the exchange of information, experience and experts between the institutions responsible for vocational education and training policy in the two countries.

Article 6

The Parties agree to support the Latvian language and culture studies in China and Chinese language and culture studies in Latvia.

Article 7

The Parties shall encourage and promote the cooperation between education institutions in the field of sports as well as exchange of information and experience in this field.

Article 8

The Parties agree to continue co-operation in the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Education Process, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), programmes and projects of the European Union and other international organisations.

Article 9

All activities carried out in the framework of this Agreement are subject to available financial resources of the Parties and shall be undertaken in accordance with their national laws and regulations and international obligations. This Agreement shall not affect any rights and obligations of the Parties under any other international treaties to which they are parties.

Article 10

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China shall establish a regular meeting mechanism on the Director General Level and exchange visits not less than once in three years, so as to exchange education policies, explore concrete co‑operation in fields of mutual interest and identify the co-operation priorities in the coming years.

Article 11

Any disputes between the Parties concerning the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled through consultations and negotiations.

Article 12

This Agreement may be amended by written mutual consent of both Parties by setting up additional protocols as an integral part of the Agreement and they shall enter into force in accordance with Article 13.

Article 13

This Agreement is concluded for an indefinite period of time and shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the receipt of the last written notice through diplomatic channels confirming that the internal procedures for the entry into force of this Agreement are fulfilled.

Either Party may terminate this Agreement by a written notice to the other Party through diplomatic channels 6 (six) months prior to the date of expiration.

Done in duplicate in Beijing on 22 November 2017 in Latvian, Chinese and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In the case of divergence of interpretation of this Agreement, the English text shall prevail.