The Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Lebanese Republic (hereinafter referred to as “The Parties”);

Desiring to strengthen the ties of fraternity and cooperation between their two brotherly peoples; and

Seeking to promote the bonds of joint Arab action between them in the fields of culture and art;

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties shall endeavour to enhance and support cultural and artistic cooperation between their countries by organizing art exhibitions, cultural weeks, visits by artistic, entertainment, theatrical and musical groups, as well as holding visual art exhibitions and exchanging visits of lecturers, poets and writers between both countries.

Article 2

1.     The Parties shall endeavour to strengthen cooperation between the national libraries in both countries through the exchange of cultural and scientific information, publications, manuscripts and photographs; the exchange of intellectual production; and the exchange of expertise in library-related training and restoration of manuscripts.

2.     The Parties shall also take part in book expositions held in both countries through the participation of national libraries and relevant institutions.

Article 3

1.     The Parties shall endeavour to encourage visits by officials and researchers concerned with museums and antiquities and the restoration thereof and the exchange of temporary antiquities exhibitions and their related bulletins and publications, pursuant to the applicable laws in both countries.

2.     The Parties shall also endeavour to encourage the organisation of training courses and workshops concerned with antiquities and museums; the training of Qatari and Lebanese staff; the coordination and consultation between the Parties in international conferences related to antiquities and museums; and taking part in archaeological exploration in both countries.

Article 4

The Parties shall encourage the exchange of experts in child culture in both countries; the presentation of joint cultural productions dedicated to children, including theatrical shows and movies; the exchange cultural publications and compact discs pertaining to children; and the conduct of studies and holding of educational symposia.

Article 5

A joint committee shall be formed to undertake the implementation of the articles of this Agreement to promote and develop cultural and artistic cooperation between the two countries.

Article 6

This Agreement shall come into force from the date of exchange of its ratification documents pursuant to the applicable constitutional procedures in each country.

Article 7

This Agreement shall be valid for five years as of the date of its entry into force, and shall be automatically renewable for a similar term(s) unless one of the Parties notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate this Agreement at least three months before the date of its expiration or termination of its extended term.

The termination of this Agreement shall not affect the existing or continuing programs and projects that have been established pursuant to its provisions.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly authorised by their respective governments, have signed this Agreement.

This Agreement is issued and signed in the city of Doha on 17/12/1426 AH, corresponding to 17/1/2006, in two equally authentic original copies in the Arabic language, with one copy for each party.

On behalf of the State of Qatar

Dr Mohammed Abdul Raheem Kafoud         

Chair of the National Council of Culture

On behalf of the Lebanese Republic

Dr Tariq Metri

Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage