Thailand to Portugal | Culture and Education

[Bossza007]

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To: <Department of State of the Portuguese Republic> <Jaime Gama, Secretary of State of the Portuguese Republic> Bruno From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: Proposal for the Establishment of the Bilateral Framework for Cultural and Educational Exchanges between Thailand and Portugal Security Type: NSST 1.0 Architecture

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Secretary of State,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Thailand extends its cordial greeting to the Department of State of the Portuguese Republic. We are initiating a line of communication to discuss the possibility where Thailand and Portugal will develop a dedicated bilateral framework for cultural and education exchanges between our countries.

As part of Thailand’s continued effort to strengthen ties with Portugal in the aftermath of the successful bilateral trade agreement. The Republic Government, after a period of public consultation, has concluded that Thailand is interested in building on the success of our trade agreement to now include people-to-people relations. Thailand deems that both countries will benefit from the increased understanding and appreciation of one another culture, which will be crucial in the robustness of our country’s long-term relationship.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, and Ministry of Tourism and Sport, has been consulting with the public and the opposition to draft the attached agreement proposed by our nation.

Sincerely,

Surakiart Sathirathai
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Thailand

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Bilateral Agreement between the Republic of Thailand and the Portuguese Republic on the Framework for Cultural and Educational Exchanges​

Proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
Secure​

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MONTH DATE YEAR​

The Republic of Thailand and the Portuguese Republic, herein referred to as Parties, recognizing the imperative of promoting people-to-people relations through concerted action, hereby establish this Bilateral Agreement between the Republic of Thailand and the Portuguese Republic on the Framework for Cultural and Educational Exchanges. Grounded in the principles of equality, mutual respect, and common interest, the Parties are committed to a comprehensive collaboration for the betterment of their respective populations and the region at large.

Section 1: Cultural Exchange

1. The Parties shall establish a Cultural Exchange Program (CEP), designed to facilitate the exchange of cultural artifacts, artistic performances, and exhibitions among the Parties.
2. The CEP shall include provisions for the organization of cultural festivals, exhibitions, and events in each Party's territory, showcasing the cultural diversity and heritage of the participating nations.
3. Each Party shall designate a Cultural Liaison Officer responsible for coordinating cultural exchange activities and programs with the other Parties.
4. The Parties shall establish a Cultural Exchange Fund to provide financial support for the implementation of joint cultural initiatives and projects under the CEP.
5. The CEP shall prioritize initiatives aimed at promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect among the peoples of the Parties, fostering a sense of shared identity and belonging in the region.

Section 2: Educational Cooperation

• The Parties shall establish an Educational Cooperation Framework (ECF) to promote collaboration in education and research initiatives, including academic exchanges, joint research projects, and faculty development programs.
• The ECF shall facilitate the exchange of students, scholars, and researchers among educational institutions in the Parties' territories, fostering academic excellence, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.
• Each Party shall designate an Education Liaison Officer responsible for coordinating educational cooperation activities and programs with the other Parties.
• The Parties shall establish a Scholarship Program to provide financial assistance to students and researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education and research opportunities in the territories of the Parties.
• The ECF shall prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of education, promoting lifelong learning, and bridging the digital divide in the region.

Section 3: People-to-People Contacts

• The Parties shall establish a People-to-People Contacts Initiative (PPCI), aimed at fostering greater interaction and connectivity among the peoples of the Parties through tourism, sports, and cultural events.
• The PPCI shall include provisions for the facilitation of visa issuance, travel arrangements, and tourism promotion campaigns to encourage people-to-people contacts and exchanges among the Parties.
• Each Party shall designate a People-to-People Liaison Officer responsible for coordinating activities and programs under the PPCI with the other Parties.
• The Parties shall establish a Joint Sports Commission to promote collaboration in sports events, tournaments, and competitions among athletes and sports organizations in the Parties' territories.
• The PPCI shall promote grassroots-level initiatives aimed at promoting friendship, cooperation, and solidarity among the peoples of the Parties, contributing to the building of a harmonious and inclusive regional community.

Section 4: Entry Into Force

• This Treaty shall enter into force upon ratification by all Parties in accordance with their respective constitutional procedures.
• Upon entry into force, each Party shall notify the depositary of this Treaty, who shall then communicate to all other Parties the date of entry into force.
• The Treaty shall remain in force indefinitely unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.

Section 5: Duration

• This Treaty shall remain in force indefinitely unless terminated by mutual agreement of the Parties.
• Any Party may withdraw from this Treaty by providing written notification to the depositary. Withdrawal shall take effect one year after the date of receipt of the notification by the depositary.
• Notwithstanding withdrawal, all obligations and commitments entered into under this Treaty shall remain in effect for the withdrawing Party until the effective date of withdrawal.

Section 6: Authentic Texts

• This Treaty is established in Portuguese, Thai, and US English, all texts being equally authentic.
• The depositary shall communicate certified copies of this Treaty to all signatory Parties.
• In case of varying interpretations of this Treaty, the authenticity of the texts in English shall prevail.

In solemn witness whereof, I, the undersigned, hereby enforce and endorse this Bilateral Agreement between the Republic of Thailand and the Portuguese Republic on the Framework for Cultural and Educational Exchanges, affirming our unwavering commitment to addressing common challenges and advancing shared goals through mutual consent and cooperation.​

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

 

[Bruno]

SECRET

To:
Surakiart Sathirathai
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Thailand Bossza007

The Department of State of the Portuguese Republic extends its warm regards to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Thailand and appreciates the continued efforts to strengthen the ties between our two nations.

We have carefully reviewed the proposal for developing a dedicated bilateral framework for cultural and educational exchanges. While Portugal values the strong relationship that has been cultivated, particularly following our successful bilateral trade agreement, we must respectfully decline the proposed framework at this time.

Portugal is currently focused on internal educational reforms and cultural initiatives that require our full attention and resources. Additionally, our current international engagement strategy is focused on reinforcing existing cultural and educational partnerships within regions that align with our immediate national interests.

However, we remain open to revisiting this proposal in the future, as we recognize the importance of people-to-people relations in fostering long-term, robust bilateral relationships. We also remain committed to exploring other areas of collaboration that align with our shared goals.

Please extend our gratitude to the Ministries involved in drafting the agreement, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in other areas of mutual interest.​

Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Secretary of State of the Portuguese Republic,
Luis Amado