Agreement on Co-operation in the Field of Education, Science and Culture between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria
The Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria hereinafter called the "Parties",
Guided by the desire to further develop and strengthen the friendly relations, which exist between two countries,
Being convinced that co-operation in the field of education, science and culture, as well as in other related fields, can contribute better mutual understanding between the people of Latvia and Bulgaria,
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
(1) For their mutual benefit, Parties shall encourage and facilitate co-operation and exchange between the two countries in the field of education, science and culture and arts and in accordance with their existing laws and regulations shall provide appropriate opportunities for contacts and joint activities between the organizations, institutions and persons active in these fields.
(2) Parties shall encourage the competent institutions of their respective countries to consider activities that among other things, may include:
(a) co-operation in the organization of joint courses, conferences and symposia,
(b) exchange of scholarships for studies in the institutions of higher education,
(c) data, information and other materials exchange concerning the structure of the educational system of both Parties,
(d) exchange of visits to national archives, libraries, museums and institutions for protection of monuments,
(e) exchange of exhibitions and other displays of a cultural, educational and documentary nature,
(f) performances by professional and amateur artistic groups and individual artists,
(g) co-operation in audio-visual area.
(h) co-operation in the field of joint projects implementation and participation in European research programmes.
Article 2
Parties shall promote co-operation between education policy makers and educational institutions of every kind and level.
Article 3
Parties shall encourage exchanges and research projects on problems of mutual interest in the field of science and technology, including direct co-operation between scientific and research institutions in the two countries.
Article 4
Parties shall protect copyrights and neighboring rights in culture and art according to national and international laws and regulations.
Article 5
Parties on the basis of bilateral agreement shall encourage co-operation between the news agencies, press organizations, radio and television institutions of the two countries in the framework of this Agreement.
Article 6
Parties shall encourage co-operation between their respective sports authorities. Details shall be decided upon through direct contact between the above mentioned authorities.
Article 7
Parties shall encourage exchanges and co-operation between their youth organizations and institutions on all issues and activities related to youth, as well as co-operation within the framework of the relevant European Union programmes.
Article 8
(1) A joint Latvian-Bulgarian Committee shall be established to consider matters relating to implementation of the present Agreement.
(2) The joint Latvian-Bulgarian Committee shall meet alternately every three (3) years in Riga and Sofia. The dates of the meetings will be arranged through the diplomatic channels.
Article 9
(1) The present Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the receipt of the last diplomatic Note by which Parties notify each other that all legal requirements for the entering into force of this Agreement have been fulfilled.
(2) The Agreement shall remain in force for a period of five (5) years, automatically renewable for additional periods of five (5) years each, unless one of the Parties notifies the other in writing at least six (6) month before the date of expiration of this intention to terminate the Agreement.
(3) Done and signed at Riga on 21 March, 2005 in two original copies in Latvian, Bulgarian and English languages. In case of any difference in interpretation, the English copy will prevail.
For the Government of the Republic of Latvia
For the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria