17. Anti-Corruption Clause
Parties shall not commit, authorize or permit any action in connection with the negotiation, conclusion or the performance of this Agreement which would cause the Parties and/or the Parties’ affiliates to be in violation of any applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery laws or regulations. This obligation applies in particular to illegitimate payments including facilitation payments to government officials, representatives of public authorities or their associates, families or close friends.
Each Party agrees that it will not either offer, or give, or agree to give, to any employee, representative or third party acting on behalf of the other Party or accept, or agree to accept from any employee, representative or third party acting on behalf of the other Party, any undue gift or benefit, be it monetary or other, with regard to the negotiation, conclusion or the performance of this Agreement.
Each Party shall promptly notify the other Party, if it becomes aware of or has specific suspicion of any corruption with regard to the negotiation, conclusion or the performance of this Agreement.