The Ministry of Culture of the People?s Republic of China and the Ministry of Information and the Arts of the Republic of Singapore, hereinafter referred to as ?The Parties.?

In pursuance of the desire of the Parties to strengthen the existing cordial relations between the two countries,

Having agreed on the need for further co-operation in areas of culture, the arts, heritage and library,

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:

Article 1

Arts, Heritage, Exhibitions and Libraries

The Parties shall encourage and promote:

(a) The exchange of visits of administrators, experts and practitioners in the fields of performing, visual and literary arts as well as the fields of heritage and libraries.

(b) The participation of artists from both countries in each other?s arts festivals or events.

(c) The participation of artists and officials from both countries in seminars, conferences, workshops, training courses and attachments organized in each other?s country in the fields of arts, heritage and library.

(d) The exchange of soloists and artistic ensembles in the fields of opera, music, dance, folklore and puppetry.

(e) Reciprocal exhibitions of cultural relics, history and fine arts on a non-profitable basis.

(f) Participation in each other?s book fairs.

Article 2

Publications

The Parties agree to promote a better understanding of the two countries through the exchange of information and publications about libraries, the arts and heritage.

Article 3

Review

Whenever deemed necessary by the Parties, representatives from both sides shall meet alternately in the two countries to discuss and review the exchanges that have carried out under this Memorandum of Understanding.

Article 4

Expenses

Any expenses incurred in the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will be discussed by the relevant departments concerned of the Parties.

Article 5

Implementation

The implementation procedures of any article in this Memorandum of Understanding will be carried out through diplomatic channels. 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 through consultation.

Article 6

Entry Into Force and Termination

This Memorandum of Understanding shall come into force on the date of signature by the Parties and terminate on dates to be mutually agreed upon.

Done in Beijing this fifteenth day of October, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six in two original copies of which one each is in the Chinese and English languages respectively, all of which are equally authentic.