AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF CULTURE

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

being aware of the importance of broadening and deepening the cooperation in the field of culture,

being convinced that cultural dialogue contributes to the progress of nations and better mutual understanding of cultures,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties, in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit, shall encourage and facilitate exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture, and shall provide favourable opportunities for contacts and joint activities between organizations, institutions and individuals active in this field.

Article 2

The Parties shall promote contacts, exchange and co-operation in the fields of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, museums, visual and applied arts, music and performing arts, libraries, literature and translation, film, as well as in other fields of culture.

Article 3

The Parties shall exchange information about conferences, contests, festivals and other international activities in the areas of culture and the arts being held in their respective countries, and shall encourage the participation of representatives of the other Party in such activities.

Article 4

The Parties shall cooperate in the sphere of training and skills upgrading of culture and art professionals and heritage practitioners in specific areas.

Article 5

The Parties agree to have exchanges in the field of culture and art in the following ways:

1) to exchange the visits of writers and artists;

2) to exchange performing tours by troupes of artists;

3) to hold exhibitions on culture and art in the country of the other Party.

Article 6

The Parties shall encourage co-operation, including research activities, between the State funded libraries of both countries, and the exchange of publications and experts in spheres of mutual interest.

Article 7

1. The Parties shall deepen co-operation between museums, archaeological research institutions and institutions involved in protection and restoration of cultural heritage. The Parties shall encourage the exchange of experience and cooperation in the fields of restoration, protection and conservation of cultural heritage.

2. The Parties shall cooperate in preventing illicit import, export and transfer of cultural property which is part of cultural heritage of their countries, and exchange relevant information in this regard.

Article 8

The Parties shall encourage co-operation in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, as well as invite traditional art groups of the country of the other Party to participate in international festivals organized in the respective country in accordance with specific festival rules and procedures.

Article 9

The Parties shall promote activities leading to improve literary production through realization of translation and co-edition projects, the exchange of writers, participation in book fairs, and related activities organized in the territory of the other country.

Article 10

The Parties shall promote cooperation in the field of film and encourage the national film agencies and organizations of their respective countries:

1) to organize screenings of films and participation of film professionals in international film activities organized in accordance with the specific rules and procedures of these activities;

2) to work on joint projects with a view to facilitate co-productions and exchanges of films.

Article 11

The Parties shall facilitate exchange and co-operation between the creative associations and other non-governmental organisations of the two countries within the scope of the spheres provided by this Agreement.

Article 12

In order to facilitate the implementation of this Agreement, the Parties shall elaborate and adopt periodic programmes of exchange defining the organisational and financial terms of co-operation as far as the available funding of each Party allows.

Article 13

1. The Parties agree that activities covered by this Agreement shall be undertaken in accordance with their national laws and regulations and international obligations.

2. This Agreement shall not affect any rights and obligations of the Parties under any other international treaties to which they are parties.

Article 14

The Agreement may be amended or supplemented by mutual written consent of the Parties. Such amendments and supplements shall form an integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force on the date of the signature.

Article 15

Any disputes arising from the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled by mutual consultations and negotiations between the Parties through diplomatic channels.

Article 16

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signature and shall remain in force for an indefinite period of time.

2. Either Party may terminate this Agreement by notifying the other Party in writing through diplomatic channels. Such termination shall take effect ninety (90) days after the date of such notification. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the termination of this Agreement shall not affect the projects or programs already undertaken under this Agreement and not yet completed at the time of such termination.

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