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March 08, 1997

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (hereinafter referred to as "the Parties"). 

With a view to developing friendly relations between the two countries.

Have agreed as follows:

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

2. In order to facilitate the attainment of such goals, the Parties agree to set up Policy Consultation Talks (hereinafter referred to as "the Talks") to discuss all matters of interest to the Parties.

The Talks will be held on annual basis, alternately in Manila and Islamabad, at the level of Under Secretary or Assistant Secretary (in the case of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines) and Foreign Secretary or Additional Foreign Secretary (in the case of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan).

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

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

b. international or regional issues of mutual interest; and

c. other matters mutually agreed upon by the Parties at the time of consultations.

The agenda of the Talks shall be defined in advance on the basis of mutual agreement.

The Arrangement may be amended or supplemented by mutual consent of the Parties.

This Arrangement 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 period, unless either of the parties notifies the other in writing, through the diplomatic channels, of its intention to terminate this agreement six (6) months prior to the date of expiry.

Done in duplicate at Islamabad on this 8th day of March 1997 in the English language.