(b) arranging meetings between scientists and the exchange of specialists;
(c) developing vocational training programmes;
(d) implementing programmes and projects to improve health and welfare in urban and rural areas.
Article 15.
1. Contracting Parties shall cooperate in contributing to the rationalization and modernization of government service at national, regional and local level.
2. To attain these objectives, the Contracting Parties shall promote, inter alia, the following activities:
(a) the provision of technical assistance for projects aimed at reforming or improving the operation of government service;
(b) meetings, visits, exchanges, seminars and training courses for civil servants and the staff of public institutions and government departments.
Article 16. Cooperation on Information, Communication and Culture
The Contracting Parties undertake to engage in cooperation activities in the fields of information, communication and culture in order to promote and intensify the links which already exist between the Parties.
These activities shall include, in particular:
(a) the exchange of information on topics of mutual interest;
(b) preparatory studies and technical assistance for the preservation of the cultural heritage;
(c) organization of cultural events;
(d) cultural and academic exchanges;
(e) translation of literary works.
Article 17. Cooperation on Tourism
The Contracting Parties, each in accordance with its laws, shall promote cooperation on tourism by means of specific measures, including in particular:
(a) the exchange of officials and experts and also of information and technology;
(b) the development of activities to stimulate tourist traffic;
(c) back-up for training in hotel management and administration;
(d) participation in fairs and exhibitions aimed at encouraging tourist traffic.
Article 18.
1. Cooperation activities conducted within the framework of the Agreement shall include appropriate training aspects. However, the Contracting Parties shall also agree upon specific training programmes in spheres of mutual interest.
2. Such training action shall first and foremost be aimed at instructors, teachers and staff in positions of responsibility in firms, government departments, public services and other areas of economic and social activity. It may include promoting cooperation agreements between the Parties establishments, particularly those in the technical scientific and vocational training sectors.
3. Cooperation shall also comprise measures to develop training for supervisory staff holding positions of responsibility in the regional and subregional integration processes.
Article 19.
1. Cooperation between the Contracting Parties may extend to action undertaken within the context of cooperation or integration agreements with third countries in the same region, provided that such action is compatible with those agreements.
2. Without discounting any sphere in advance, the following action shall be given particular consideration:
(a) cooperation on environmental issues at regional level;
(b) development of intra-regional trade;
(c) the strengthening of regional public and private sector institutions and support for common policies and activities;
(d) regional communications, particularly river transport;
(e) cooperation on health and plant health matters at regional and subregional levels;
(f) the transfer of Community experience in integration at regional and subregional levels.
Article 20. Resources for Undertaking Cooperation
In order to facilitate the achievement of the aims set out in this Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall make available, within the limits of their abilities and through their own channels, the appropriate resources, including financial resources.
Article 21.
1. A Joint Cooperation Committee shall be established, consisting of representatives of the Community and of Uruguay. It shall meet once a year, alternately in Brussels and Montevideo, on a date and with an agenda fixed by mutual agreement. Extraordinary meetings may be convened with the consent of both Parties.
2. The Joint Committee shall ensure the proper functioning of the Agreement and shall examine all issues arising from its application. In fulfilling this role, its main functions will be to:
(a) consider measures for developing and diversifying trade, in accordance with the objectives of this Agreement;
(b) exchange views on any points of common interest regarding trade and cooperation, including future measures and the means available for putting them into effect;
(c) make recommendations for promoting the expansion of trade and for intensified cooperation, taking into account the need to coordinate the measures planned;
(d) in general terms, recommend solutions aimed at helping to attain the objectives of this Agreement.
3. The Joint Committee may set up specialized subcommittees and working parties to assist it in the performance of its duties.
Article 22.
1. Without prejudice to the provisions of the Treaties establishing the European Communities, neither this Agreement nor any action taken under it shall in any way affect the powers of the Member States of the Communities to undertake bilateral activities with Uruguay in the field of economic cooperation or where appropriate to conclude new economic cooperation agreements with Uruguay.
2. Subject to the provisions of the previous paragraph concerning economic cooperation, the provisions of this Agreement shall replace the provisions of the agreements concluded between the Member States of the Communities and Uruguay where such provisions are either incompatible with or identical to the provisions of this Agreement.
Article 23. Territorial Application
This Agreement shall apply, on the one hand, to the territories in which the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community is applied and under the conditions laid down in that Treaty and, on the other, to the territory of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay.
Article 24.
1. The Contracting Parties may by mutual consent expand this Agreement with a view to increasing the levels of cooperation and supplementing them, each in accordance with its laws, by means of agreements on specific sectors or activities.
2. With respect to the application of this Agreement, either of the Contracting Parties may put forward suggestions for widening the scope of mutual cooperation, taking into account the experience gained in its execution.
Article 25.
1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the date on which the Contracting Parties have notified each other of the completion of the procedures necessary for this purpose.
2. This Agreement is concluded for a period of five years. It shall be renewed on a yearly basis unless one of the Contracting Parties denounces it six months before the date of expiry.
Article 26. Annexes
The Annexes shall form an integral part of this Agreement.
Article 27. Authentic Languages
This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish languages, each text being equally authentic.
Conclusion
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned Plenipotentiaries have signed this Framework Agreement.
Done at Brussels on the fourth day of November in the year one thousand nine hundred and ninety-one.
For the Council of the European Communities
For the Government of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay