Common use of External Relations Clause in Contracts

External Relations. 1. Cyprus shall maintain special ties of friendship with Greece and Turkey, respecting the balance established by the Treaty of Guarantee and the Treaty of Alliance and the Foundation Agreement. 2. The <component states> shall be consulted on <common state> decisions on external relations that affect their competences. 3. The <component states> may appoint representatives on commercial and cultural matters, who shall be accredited as part of diplomatic missions of Cyprus. 4. The <component states> may also conclude agreements on commercial and cultural matters with authorities of States that have relations with Cyprus, provided that such agreements do not cause prejudice to Cyprus, the authority of the <common state> government, or the other <component state>, and are compatible with the European Union membership of Cyprus. 5. In the exercise of the powers conferred by paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article, the following procedures shall be observed: a. The <component states> shall use the channel of the <common state> ministry of foreign affairs for contacts at a political level with foreign governments; and b. The <component states> may have direct contacts with sub-entities or subordinate authorities of other states. In this case they shall inform the <common state> ministry of foreign affairs upon starting negotiations on any agreement with such authorities and continue to advise on the progress and outcome of such negotiations. 6. A Cooperation Agreement between the <common state> and the <component states> on external relations shall regulate the implementation of this Article.