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November 26, 1996


AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF THE CONSULATE-GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the People's Republic of the China (hereinafter referred to as "the two Parties"), out of a common desire to develop further the friendly relations between the two countries, in accordance with Section XI of Annex I of the Joint Declaration of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the Question of Hong Kong and Article 157 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, which stipulates that "Consular and other official missions established in Hong Kong by states which have formal diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China may be maintained", and taking into account the status quo of the friendly consular relations between the Philippines and China, have reached the following Agreement concerning the maintenance of the Consulate-General of the Republic of the Philippines in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China following the resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong by the Government of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997:

1.The Government of the People's Republic of China agrees to the maintenance by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines of its Consulate-General in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

2.The Government of the People's Republic of China shall, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 24 April 1963 and relevant laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, accord necessary assistance and facilities to the Consulate-General of the Republic of the Philippines in the exercise of consular functions.

3.The operations of the Consulate-General of the Republic of the Philippines in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be regulated by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 24 April 1963. Consular matters shall be handled on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and in a friendly and cooperative spirit.

4.The present Agreement shall enter into force on 1 July 1997. The two Parties shall complete their respective domestic legal and constitutional processes that are necessary to give effect to this Agreement before this date and notify the other Party accordingly.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done in Manila on 26 November 1996 in duplicate in the English and Chinese languages, both texts being equally authentic.

For the Government of the For the Government of the
Republic of the Philippines People's Republic of China
(Sgd.) (Sgd.)

Entry into Force: July 1, 1997



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