Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Belarus on co-operation in the field of tourism

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

acknowledge that it is in their mutual interest to establish tight and long-term co-operation in the field of tourism,

desire to develop relations in this field between both countries as well as their national tourist organisations,

HAVE AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING:

Article 1

The Parties shall assist to the extension of the tourist traffic between the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Belarus for the purpose of improving the mutual knowledge of life, history and culture of their nations.

Co-operation will be implemented in accordance with the laws and regulations that are in effect in the two countries and the provisions of this Agreement.

Article 2

The Parties shall favour the closer co-operation between their state tourist authorities and tourist organisations as well as between other organisations participating in the development of international and domestic tourism.

Article 3

The Parties shall facilitate the exchange of tourist information, namely by means of printed materials, films, advertising campaigns, conferences and seminars, organisation of exhibitions and trade fairs. The Parties can establish information centres or appoint representatives of their state tourist authorities in the respective countries.

Article 4

The Parties shall co-operate to assist in education, training and exchange of experts, personnel and students in the tourist sector. The Parties shall assist both public and private organisations, to carry out different tourist development studies and projects.

Article 5

The Parties shall exchange information about legislation, experience and data through their state tourist authorities as well as regarding their activities in international tourist organisations.

Article 6

To enhance the implementation of this Agreement, the Parties shall establish a Joint Tourism Committee comprising tourism officials from both countries, with the aim to implement joint proposals, programmes and resolutions concerning the development of bilateral co-operation in the field of tourism.

The Committee shall meet once a year, alternately in the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Belarus.

The Parties may invite experts and representatives of the private sector from both countries to participate in the activities of the Committee.

Article 7

The Parties have agreed that the implementation of the obligations of this Agreement shall be co-ordinated by the following state authorities:

Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, on behalf of the Republic of Latvia,

Ministry of Sport and Tourism, on behalf of the Republic of Belarus.

Article 8

Neither Party will accept any responsibility or liability as to how the results of the co-operation under this Agreement are applied or used by the counterpart.

Article 9

This Agreement may be amended by the Parties only if in writing and signed by both Parties.

Article 10

If a dispute arises between the Parties about the interpretation or application of this Agreement, the Parties shall seek a solution by negotiation or by any other method of dispute settlement acceptable to the Parties.

Article 11

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of receiving the exchanging notes indicating completion of legal procedures by the Parties.

This Agreement shall be valid for a period of five years and shall be automatically extended for another period of five years unless either Party informs the other Party in writing of its desire to terminate this Agreement six months before the expire date of the Agreement.

Termination of the present Agreement shall not affect the implementation of programmes and projects, which may be launched during the period of its validity, unless agreed upon otherwise by the Parties.

Done in Riga on January 11, 2001 in two original copies each in Belarusian, Latvian and English languages, all the text being equally authentic.

In case of discordance, the English text shall prevail.