AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF GEORGIA ON EXEMPTION FROM THE VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND SERVICE PASSPORTS

The Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the “Contracting Parties”),

desiring to promote the further development of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries;

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

1. Nationals of the Republic of Latvia holding valid diplomatic and service pass­ports may enter repeatedly the territory of Georgia and stay there for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days all together during a half year without being required to obtain visa.

2. Nationals of Georgia holding valid diplomatic and service passports may enter repeatedly the territory of the Republic of Latvia and stay there for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days all together during a half year without being required to obtain visa.

Article 2

1. Nationals of either Contracting Party holding valid diplomatic and service passports who are appointed to the diplomatic or consular posts in the territory of the State of the other Contracting Party, may enter, stay and leave the receiving country during the term of their appointment without being required to obtain visa.

2. Similar rules shall apply to the family members of such officers, provided they are holders of valid diplomatic and service passports.

Article 3

This Agreement shall not release the holders of diplomatic and service passports of either Contracting Party from the observance of the legislation in force on the territory of other Contracting Party.

Article 4

Each Contracting Party reserves the right to deny entry into or stay in the territory of its State to nationals of the State of the other Contracting Party holding diplomatic and service passports whom it considers undesirable.

Article 5

1. The Contracting Parties shall exchange through diplomatic channels specimens of their travel documents specified in Article 1 of the present Agreement not later than thirty (30) days before the entry into force of the present Agreement.

2. If either Contracting Party modifies its travel documents specified in Article 1 of the present Agreement or introduces new travel documents after the entry into force of the present Agreement, it shall provide the other Contracting Party with the specimens of new travel documents through diplomatic channels at least thirty (30) days before they are introduced.

Article 6

Amendments and additions shall be made to this Agreement on the basis of the mutual consent of the Contracting Parties, which will be drawn up as a separate protocol that forms the integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force according to the rule stipulated by Article 9 of this Agreement.

Article 7

Each Contracting Party can suspend this Agreement either in whole or in part, due to reasons of public order, security or health protection. The suspension shall be notified in writing to the other Contracting Party through diplomatic channels, thirty (30) days prior to the entry into force of this measure.

Article 8

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

Article 9

1. This Agreement shall enter into force sixty (60) days after the date of receipt of the last written notification through diplomatic channels by which the Contracting Parties inform each other that the internal legal requirements necessary for its entry into force have been fulfilled.

2. This Agreement is concluded for an indefinite period.

3. This Agreement may be terminated by any of the Contracting Parties by giving prior notice through diplomatic channels and shall remain valid ninety (90) days following the date of such notice.

Done at Riga on the 11^th day of July 2008, in two original copies, in the Latvian, Georgian and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.