AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA AND THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY RELATIONS

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",

Referring to the provisions of the North Atlantic Treaty, dated 4 April 1949;

Having regard to the "Agreement bet­ween the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty regarding the Status of their Forces" (NATO SOFA), signed in London on 19 June 1951;

Bearing in mind the "Agreement bet­ween the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Czech Republic Concerning the Mutual Protection of Classified Information", signed in Prague on 16 October 2000;

Contributing to the enhancement of international security and stability within the framework of the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Union;

Willing to intensify good and cordial relations between their countries;

Desiring to complement and reinforce cooperation in areas of common interest;

Have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE 1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1. This Agreement establishes the framework for cooperation in defence and military matters between the Parties in areas of mutual interest.

1.2. This Agreement shall be implemented by the Parties in accordance with national law and international commitments of their countries.

ARTICLE 2

AREAS AND FORMS OF COOPERATION

2.1. Cooperation shall be carried out in the English language and may include the following areas:

a) defence and security policy;

b) military education and training;

c) humanitarian, peacekeeping and crisis management operations;

d) other areas upon mutual consent of the Parties.

2.2. The forms of the cooperation shall be as follows:

a) official visits, working meetings and seminars;

b) consultations, exchange of experience;

c) military training and exercises;

d) exchange of information, material and personnel;

e) cultural and sports activities;

f) other activities upon mutual consent of the Parties.

2.3. The execution of the provisions of this Agreement can be subject of separate arrangements.

ARTICLE 3

PLANNING

By the end of each year, the Parties shall agree on common activities for the next year and, if necessary, shall prepare a detailed plan of cooperation. Such plan may be changed at any time upon mutual consent of the Parties.

ARTICLE 4

FINANCIAL ASPECTS

Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties, each Party shall incur its own costs in relation to the execution of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 5

SECURITY OF INFORMATION

Classified information generated or exchanged as a result of the execution of this Agreement shall be treated in accordance with the provisions as set forth in respective international agreements concluded by the Parties' countries.

ARTICLE 6

DISPUTES

Any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be resolved amicably by negotiations between the Parties and shall not be referred to a national or international tribunal or any other third party for settle­ment.

ARTICLE 7

FINAL PROVISIONS

7.1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the signature. It shall remain in force for an unlimited period of time, unless either Party notifies the other in writing six months in advance of its intention to terminate this Agreement.

7.2. Notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, the provisions of Article 4 (Financial aspects) and Article 6 (Disputes) shall be observed until all outstanding payments and claims are settled.

7.3. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual written consent of the Parties. Such amendments shall enter into force on the date of the last signature.

7.4. On the date of entry into force of this Agreement, the "Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic on Mutual Cooperation", signed in Prague on 29 November 1993 shall be terminated.

Signed in ……………………………… on ……………………….. in two originals in the English language, one for each Party.