Summary.
Article 1 proposes approving in full the Framework Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of Panama (República de Panamá) and the Dominican Republic (República Dominicana), signed in the city of Santo Domingo. The instrument establishes general conditions for specific technical, scientific, educational and cultural cooperation programs and projects agreed by the Government of the Republic of Panama (Gobierno de la República de Panamá) and the Government of the Dominican Republic (Gobierno de la República Dominicana). Agreements and programs made under it must serve its objectives, while other existing or future bilateral instruments may continue to operate. In defining activities, the parties must consider international peace and security, human rights, sustainable development, democracy, reciprocity, and institutional powers and rules.
The agreement identifies education, governance, agriculture and agribusiness, women and gender, health, tourism, microenterprise, institutional strengthening, the environment and social protection as cooperation areas. The parties may add other areas by mutual agreement and develop programs through technical cooperation, participation in activities and joint initiatives. They may also agree to involve regional or multilateral organizations and third countries. Programs, projects and activities operate under a shared cost arrangement: each institution covers accommodation, meals and domestic transportation. The parties may jointly seek support from third countries or international organizations to fund or implement South South and triangular cooperation activities.
On Panama's side, coordination and implementation fall to the Vice Ministry of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation (Viceministerio de Asuntos Multilaterales y Cooperación) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores). On the Dominican side, they fall to the Vice Ministry for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation (Viceministerio para Asuntos Económicos y Cooperación Internacional) of its foreign affairs ministry; that office serves as liaison with national cooperation bodies on sectoral matters. In accordance with the host country's laws, the parties would provide facilities needed for the missions of officials, experts and professionals sent by the other government who meet the agreement's residence conditions. Cooperation methods include exchanges of specialists and information, internships, joint research and projects, scholarships, training events, advisory services, equipment and materials, work in third countries, and transfers of institutional experience and capacity.
The agreement creates a Working Commission (Comisión de Trabajo), chaired by the responsible entities. Specific projects are prepared under each country's procedures and presented to the Joint Commission for Technical, Scientific, Educational and Cultural Cooperation (Comisión Mixta de Cooperación Técnica, Científica, Educativa y Cultural). The Joint Commission sets priorities, coordinates and evaluates activities, identifies additional areas, addresses difficulties, encourages use of results, and approves a biennial work program naming projects, implementing institutions, counterparts and funding sources. Annual evaluation meetings take place in each country with competent entities and the participation of the Embassy of the Republic of Panama (Embajada de la República de Panamá) in Santo Domingo and the Embassy of the Dominican Republic (Embajada de República Dominicana) in Panama. Their results are recorded and sent to the responsible entities. The Joint Commission meets every two years, alternating between the countries, and may hold extraordinary meetings by mutual agreement.
Amendments require mutual consent. Disputes over interpretation or application are settled through diplomatic negotiations. The agreement provides for a term of five (5) years from signature, renewable for equal periods. Either party may terminate it by written notice, effective six (6) months after receipt; ongoing activities continue until completion or a date agreed by the parties. Article 2 provides that the approving law would take effect upon promulgation. The agreement concerns both governments' foreign affairs and cooperation bodies, the Working Commission and the Joint Commission for Technical, Scientific, Educational and Cultural Cooperation, as well as educational and scientific institutions and the agricultural, agribusiness, tourism, health, environmental and microenterprise sectors.
What it proposes.
- Approval of a bilateral framework cooperation agreement.
- Areas and methods of technical, scientific, educational and cultural cooperation.
- Funding, coordination, evaluation and duration of programs and projects.
Who it would affect.
- Government of the Republic of Panama and Government of the Dominican Republic
- Institutions implementing cooperation programs and projects
- Officials, experts and professionals sent on cooperation missions
Key points.
- Approves the framework agreement in full and sets out its objectives and areas of bilateral cooperation.Art. 1
- Establishes shared costs and allows the parties to seek support from third countries or international organizations.Art. 1
- Designates coordinating entities and provides facilities for personnel sent on missions.Art. 1
- Lists cooperation methods, including exchanges, internships, scholarships, advisory services and joint projects.Art. 1
- Creates a Working Commission and governs programming and evaluation through a Joint Commission.Art. 1
- Requires mutual consent for amendments and diplomatic negotiations to settle disputes.Art. 1
- Sets the agreement's term, renewal and termination rules and preserves ongoing activities.Art. 1
- Provides that the approving law would take effect upon promulgation.Art. 2