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November 28, 2000

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India (hereafter referred to as "the Parties"),

(i) Pursuing the spirit of the traditionally friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries, and

(ii) Acknowledging the usefulness of having exchanges of views and consultations between the two countries,

Have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I

The Parties will work to strengthen friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, and to increase bilateral cooperation in fields mutually agreed on.

In order to facilitate the attainment of such goals, the Parties agree to hold Policy Consultation Talks (hereafter referred to as "the Talks") to discuss all matters of interest to them.

ARTICLE II

The Talks will be held on an annual basis, alternately in Manila and New Delhi, at the level of Undersecretary or Assistant Secretary (in the case of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines) and Secretaiy or Additional Secretary (in the case of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India).

ARTICLE III

The main purpose of the Talks is to exchange views on the following:

a. Matters of mutual concern, including political, economic, cultural and educational cooperation;

b. Regional and international issues of mutual interest, and

c. Other matters mutually agreed on by the Parties at the time of consultations.

ARTICLE IV

The agenda of the Talks shall be defined in advance on the basis of mutual agreement. An agreed summary record of the Talks shall be prepared.

ARTICLE V

This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended or supplemented by mutual consent of the Parties.

ARTICLE VI

This Memorandum of Understanding will enter into force on the date of its signing and remain valid for a period of five years. It will be automatically renewed for successive two-year periods, unless either of the Parties notifies the other in writing, through diplomatic channels, of its intention to terminate this Memorandum of Understanding six (6) months prior to the date of expiry.

Signed in duplicate at Manila this 28th day of November 2000 in the English and Hindi languages, both texts being equally authentic. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.