Protocol of Co–operation between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Spain

The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Spain,

Considering their wish that co–operation in the field of defence contributes to develop the relationship between the countries;

Persuaded that mutual understanding, exchange of information and increase in collaboration between the Ministries and the respective Armed Forces of both countries will, without any doubt, favor the European security, and the international peace and stability,

State the following intentions:

Official Contacts in the Field of Defence

Continue the exchange of visits at political level, through both those of the Ministers and senior officials of the respective Departments of the Ministries of Defence.

Set up a Latvian — Spanish Combined Commission which, having its Headquarters, on the Latvian side at the Defence Policy Department and, on the Spanish side at the Directorate of Defence Policy, which will lead co–ordinate co–operation in the field of defence between the two countries, ruled by a statute agreed for the purpose.

Determine, through the mentioned Latvian — Spanish Combined Commission, the co–operation activities which, according to the prevailing possibilities and circumstances, may be convenient to carry out and, annually, schedule them in a Bilateral Activities Plan.

Promote visits of delegations and meetings of groups of experts, mainly on the field of Defence Policy, Personnel Policy, Education and Training, Logistics, Medical Assistance, Military Legislation and Military Service.

Co–operation between the Armed Forces

Foster the visits of Chief of Staff of the respective different Services, educational centres and cultural institutions of the Armed Forces.

Exchange information and criteria on Organization, Tactics and Military Strategy.

Invite officers from the other Armed Forces to participate, as Observers, in manoeuvres, and national exercises.

Sponsor participation of Officers and senior officials from the other countries and treat them as its own one.

Make it easy to sports teams their participation in tournaments organized by the other country. Make common use of high performance military sporting centres. Exchange experiences ins sports medicine.

Scientific — Technical Co–operation

Promote scientific and researching contacts in the different fields of Defence by the means of exchanging information, reciprocal visits to specialized centres and initiative of mutual interest, considering profitable tot he Armed Forces of both countries.

Technical—Industrial Co–operation

Favour the development of the ralationship in the technological and industrial field through the exchange of specialized information, technical assistance of experts, meetings of experts in armament and equipment, reciprocal acquaintance of the potential of the respective national industries in the field of Defence, common participation in research programs and, when adequate, the joint achievement of production projects.

Cultural Contacts

Support, as far as possible, between members of the Armed Forces, the exchange of cultural values of both countries, facilitating all those initiatives contributing to a better knowledge of the language, culture and traditions.

The protocol will enter into force upon signature.

Done in Brussels on 7 June 2001, in two originals, each consisting of texts in Latvian, Spanish and English languages, all being equally authentic. Disputes regarding its interpretation will be solved between Participants by the means of negotiations, prevailing in this case the English version.

For the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia  Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis

For the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Spain Federico Trillo Figueroa  y Martinez – Conde