The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the Government of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "the Contracting Parties"), desirous of promoting friendly relations and better understanding between their people and willing to strengthen their relations in the sphere of culture, science and art, have decided to conclude the present Agreement, the provisions of which are as follows:

Article 1

The Contracting Parties, in accordance with the principles of respecting each other's sovereignty, no interfering in each other's interior affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and respecting each other's culture, agree to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Article 2

The Contracting Parties shall promote cultural contacts between colleges, institutions of higher learning and science institutions of the two countries in the fields of culture, science, art and education, and encourage reciprocal visits of elites and delegations in the fields of culture, science and art.

Article 3

The Contracting Parties agree to exchange students in accordance with each other's needs.

Article 4

The Contracting Parties agree to exchange language teachers to teach in the other Party's country in accordance with each other's needs.

Article 5

The Contracting Parties shall provide facilities to the exchange of books, magazines and other publications on science, culture and art.

Article 6

The Contracting Parties agree to implement the following cooperation:

(a) Reciprocal visits of artists and art troupes;
(b) Exchange of art works;
(c) Exchange of pictorial, art works and other cultural exhibitions;
(d) Exchange of art performances and film shows;
(e) Translation and publication of outstanding works of literature and art of each other's country.

Article 7

The Contracting Parties shall encourage cooperation between broadcasting and television institutions, and the exchange of recordings and tapes.

Article 8

The Contracting Parties shall encourage friendly competitions and visits between sports teams of the two countries.

Article 9

With a view to implementing the present Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall promote annually next year's executive programs.

Article 10

This Agreement shall take the place of the cultural agreement signed on June 12th, 1956. It shall enter into force on the date when governments of the two Parties recognize it and inform each other of it.

This Agreement shall remain valid for a period of three (3) years. Thereafter it shall be automatically renewed for successive periods of three (3) years unless either Contracting Party requests its termination by written notice to the other served at least six (6) months prior to the date of expiration.

This Agreement can be modified with the approval of the Contracting Parties.

Done in Beijing on March 18, 1965. In duplicate in Chinese, Arabic and French languages. The French text shall be the criterion when contradictions occur in explaining this Agreement.

For the Government of the People's Republic of China

For the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic