16 Helsinki 1975 3. Co-operation and Exchanges in the Field of Culture The participating States Considering that cultural exchanges and co-operation contribute to a better comprehension among people and among peoples, and thus promote a lasting understanding among States, Confirming the conclusions already formulated in this field at the multilateral level, particularly at the Intergovernmental Conference on Cultural Policies in Europe, organized by UNESCO in Helsinki in June 1972, where interest was manifested in the active participation of the broadest possible social groups in an increasingly diversified cultural life, Desiring, with the development of mutual confidence and the further improvement of relations between the participating States, to continue further efforts toward progress in this field, Disposed in this spirit to increase substantially their cultural exchanges, with regard both to persons and to cultural works, and to develop among them an active co-operation, both at the bilateral and the multilateral level, in aft the fields of culture, Convinced that such a development of their mutual relations will contribute to the enrichment of the respective cultures, while respecting the originality of each, as well as to the reinforcement among them of a consciousness of common values, while continuing to develop cultural co-operation with other countries of the world, Declare that they jointly set themselves the following objectives: (a) to develop the mutual exchange of information with a view to a better knowledge of respective cultural achievements, (b) to improve the facilities for the exchange and for the dissemination of cultural property, (c) to promote access by all to respective cultural achievements, (d) to develop contacts and co-operation among persons active in the field of culture, (e) to seek new fields and forms of cultural co-operation, Thus give expression to their common will to take progressive, coherent and long-term action in order to achieve the objectives of the present declaration; and Express their intention now to proceed to the implementation of the following: Extension of Relations To expand and improve at the various levels co-operation and links in the field of culture, in particular by: • concluding, where appropriate, agreements on a bilateral or multilateral basis, providing for the extension of relations among competent State institutions and non-governmental organizations in the field of culture, as well as among people engaged in cultural activities, taking into account the need both for flexibility and the fullest possible use of existing