The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",

Desiring to further develop the friendly relations and strengthen cultural cooperation and strengthen cultural cooperation and exchange between the two countries,

In accordance with the basic principles of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries and with the laws and regulations in force for each country,

Have reached the following understanding:

1. The Parties shall encourage and promote cooperation in the fields of:

1.1 fine arts, traditional arts and crafts;

1.2 performing arts;

1.3 museums;

1.4 libraries;

1.5 conservation of cultural heritage and

1.6 education and research on the arts and culture.

2. The Parties shall encourage visits and facilitate exchanges of:

2.1 experts, scholars, researchers, trainers and students in cultural, artistic, literary and conservational and educational fields;

2.2 professional cultural organizations and their representatives and

2.3 representatives from related fields within the framework of this Memorandum of Understanding.

3. The Parties shall encourage the development of relations between academic bodies, technological and research institutions, professional associations and other institutions of culture and learning of their respective countries.

4. The Parties shall promote and facilitate:

4.1 the exchange of scientific knowledge on culture between the two countries;

4.2 direct contact between scholars, professionals and organizations in the field of culture of the two countries and

4.3 the attendance by experts of either Party at conferences, seminars and other meetings on culture held in the country of the other Party.

5. The Parties shall facilitate the supply and distribution of books, publications, films, educational materials, recordings, video tapes, professional brochures, and literary and artistic works which may foster the purposes of this Memorandum of Understanding.

6. The Parties shall encourage and facilitate the exchange in the fields of:

6.1 exhibitions of the arts and culture;

6.2 performing arts and

6.3 activities of the arts and culture.

7. The Parties shall cooperate to give effect to the purposes of this Memorandum of Understanding and shall consult each other when necessary on matter of details and additional arrangements. In addition, representatives of the Parties shall meet at least once every two years, alternately in the People's Republic of China and Brunei Darussalam, to discuss and assess the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding.

8. Any expenses incurred in the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will be discussed and agreed upon by the representatives from the relevant authorities of the Parties.

9. The implementation procedures of this Memorandum of Understanding shall be agreed upon by the Parties and communicated through diplomatic channels.

10. Any disputes or disagreement between the Parties with respect to matters covered by this Memorandum of Understanding shall, in the spirit of cordiality and mutual respect, be resolved amicably by consultation or negotiation between the Parties.

Any revision or amendment to this Memorandum of Understanding shall be requested in writing and shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties and form part of this Memorandum of Understanding. Such revision or amendment shall come into force on such date as mutually determined by the Parties.

11. This Memorandum of Understanding shall come into force on the date of signature by the Parties and terminate on such dates as is mutually agreed upon. The termination of this Memorandum of Understanding shall not affect the validity and duration of any agreement or undertaking concluded or entered into force during the duration of this Memorandum of Understanding until the completion of such agreement or undertaking.

Done in Beijing on this 23rd day of August, 1999 in two original copies of which one each is in the Chinese and English languages respectively, all of which are equally authentic and valid. In case of divergence between the two texts, the English text shall prevail.