AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN ON CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

The Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, hereinafter referred to as the "Parties",

wishing to develop and extend the friendly relations which exist between the both Parties;

being aware of the fact that the co-operation in the field of education and science contributes to a better understanding between nations;

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties shall support different forms of co-operation in the field of education and science based on the principles of mutual respect and partnership and complying with their international obligations and laws and regulations in force in both countries.

Article 2

The Parties shall promote the establishing of direct contacts between institutions of general, vocational, higher education and scientific institutions of similar profile, including:

a) exchange of academic staff and students of institutions of higher education;

b) promotion of exchange of information, knowledge, experience and study materials at all levels of education and expertise in strategic and organizational issues of education;

c) implementation of joint scientific research on matters of mutual interest.

Article 3

The Parties shall consider the following co-operation possibilities:

a) mutual recognition and comparability of education certificates, qualifications, diplomas and degrees pursuant to the effective laws and regulations of each country;

b) maintaining partnership when implementing UNESCO programmes and projects, in particular, the programme "Education for All", the European Union programmes and projects, European Qualifications Framework, European Neighbourhood Policy, Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, the Bologna Process, etc.;

c) mutual granting of annual scholarships to students and academic staff of the other Party for higher education, post university education (doctorate), training of teachers, academic staff and scientists and participation in international summer schools.

Article 4

The Parties shall encourage exchange of experience in the field of education and science, offering each other information and legal documents in force, concerning the structure and the organization of the system of education, curriculum, didactic materials and other information that is needed to implement successful co-operation of both Parties.

Article 5

The procedure of enrolment and financing shall be established in a separate programme taking into account the laws and regulations in force in each country and available financial resources.

Article 6

The Parties shall set up a joint bilateral working group in order to evaluate and implement the stipulations of this Agreement. The joint working group shall meet at least once in three (3) years in succession in the Republic of Latvia and Tajikistan on the principle of alternation and it shall settle the terms and conditions of this co-operation.

Article 7

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

Article 8

This Agreement can be amended with the mutual consent of the both Parties by setting up additional protocols as an integral part of the Agreement. Such amendments shall enter into force in accordance with the Paragraph 1 of Article 9.

Article 9

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of receipt of the last written notification of both Parties through diplomatic channels about the fulfilment of all internal procedures necessary for its entering into force.

This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of five (5) years. It shall thereafter be automatically renewed for a successive periods of five (5) years unless terminated through diplomatic channels by either Party giving written notice six (6) months prior to the expiry of five (5) year period.

Done in Dushanbe on 10 June 2014 in two original copies in Latvian, Tajik and English, all texts being equally authentic. In case of different interpretations, the text in English shall prevail.