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October 15, 1997

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Union of Myanmar, hereinafter referred to as the "Contracting Parties";

DESIROUS of expanding and enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation on a lasting and long term basis;

CONVINCED of the necessity of lasting and effective cooperation in the interests of both countries;

CONFIRMING their interests in the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries; and

GUIDED by the desire to strengthen the existing friendly relations and to promote the expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and full respect of sovereignty;

HAVE AGREED as follows:

ARTICLE I

The Contracting Parties shall establish a Joint Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") to facilitate consultation and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the economic, trade, social, cultural and other fields of mutual interest.

ARTICLE II

The Commission shall consider ways and means to promote consultation and cooperation and to ensure the proper coordination and implementation of its decisions

ARTICLE III

The Commission shall be at the level of Foreign Minister and its composition shall be determined by the Contracting Parties.

ARTICLE IV

The Commission shall determine its rules and procedures and may establish working groups to deal with specific subjects brought before it.

ARTICLE V

The Commission shall meet once a year or at the request of either Contracting Party at any time mutually agreed, alternately in the Republic of the Philippines and in the Union of Myanmar. The meeting of the Commission may be preceded by a meeting at Senior Officials level.

ARTICLE VI

The present Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the latter notification by the Contracting Parties indicating compliance with their respective legal requirement for its entry into force.

ARTICLE VII

This Agreement shall remain in force for a period of five years and upon the expiry thereof shall automatically remain in force unless either Contracting Party notifies the other in writing, through diplomatic channels, of its intention to terminate the Agreement at least six months prior to the intended date of termination.

ARTICLE VIII

The termination of the present Agreement shall not affect the validity and duration of any arrangement and/or contract made under the present Agreement until the completion of such arrangement and/or contract.

ARTICLE IX

Either Contracting Party may request in writing a revision or amendment of all or parts of this Agreement. Any revision or amendment which has been agreed to by both Contracting Parties shall come into effect on such date as determined by both Contracting Parties.

ARTICLE X

Any differences between the Contracting Parties concerning the interpretation and/or implementation of the present Agreement shall be settled amicably through consultations or negotiations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed the present Agreement and have affixed thereto their seals.

DONE at Yangon on the 15th day of October 1997, in two original copies in the English language.

Entry into Force: February 2, 1998