Memorandums of Understanding signed between Armenia and the United States have been published

Memorandums of Understanding signed between Armenia and the United States have been published

"MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING"

On an Innovation Partnership between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia in the Field of Biotechnology and Semiconductors

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as the Participants), recognizing their shared interest in promoting innovation, economic development, and technological advancement, expressing mutual interest in investing in Armenia’s semiconductor ecosystem that will facilitate technology commercialization and economic benefit to both Participants, affirming their shared desire to increase support for resilient semiconductor supply chains, and recognizing the complementary nature of the Participants’ work and the benefits of closer strategic cooperation between them, have reached the following understanding:

I. Purpose

The United States of America and the Republic of Armenia are developing this Memorandum of Understanding in accordance with the Charter of the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Partnership, with the aim of deepening cooperation in developing secure semiconductor supply chains, including the semiconductor ecosystem and integrated circuits (ICs) and electronics industries, building linkages between their respective industries and commercializing artificial intelligence applications, as well as implementing the necessary conditions required to enhance Armenia’s assessed status within the U.S. export control system.

Participants aim to address their development priorities in the semiconductor supply chain and artificial intelligence sectors, including:

• exploring opportunities to further develop Armenia's semiconductor ecosystem;

• Encouraging private sector investment, including through the exploration of joint projects and public-private partnerships, to accelerate the practical implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as the MoU);

• Increasing the exchange of information on best practices for secure semiconductor supply chains and the development of artificial intelligence applications.

• expanding bilateral and international discussions on best practices in export control measures;

• Promoting joint research partnerships (including through the possible establishment of an Armenia-US binational science foundation) in semiconductors, as well as supply chain resilience, to support innovation, workforce development, and knowledge and technology transfer.

II. Areas of cooperation

The participants aim to collaborate in a number of areas, including the following:

• Raising awareness among the US private sector, associations, and other relevant stakeholders about the semiconductor ecosystem in Armenia and reliable export control mechanisms;

• Expanding export controls for secure semiconductor supply chains.

• Strengthening effective controls on exports of artificial intelligence applications and model development.

• Expanding collaboration among stakeholders to identify, uncover, and prevent the diversion of artificial intelligence resources.

• Preparing the workforce to effectively use and integrate artificial intelligence applications, including issues related to freedom, accuracy, integrity, and purpose;

• Opportunities to promote investments and infrastructure development in Armenia's high-tech sector.

III. General provisions

1. Duration: This MOU shall enter into force on the date of its signature and shall be valid for a period of one (1) year. It is expected that cooperation under this MOU will continue for a further three (3) periods unless one of the Parties notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate cooperation under this MOU at least sixty (60) days prior to the termination date. Any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this MOU may be settled amicably through consultations between the competent authorities of the Parties.

2. Amendments: The Participants may amend this Agreement by mutual written agreement.

3. Contact Persons: Participants intend to designate contact persons from their respective institutions to coordinate the implementation of this MoU.

4. Reporting and dialogue: The participants aim to hold regular consultations, including at expert and high-level levels, to review progress and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

5. Operation of the MOU: Nothing in this MOU creates any rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The Participants specifically acknowledge that this MOU is not an obligation to provide resources. The Participants intend to maintain their separate and distinct missions and mandates and their own responsibilities. The cooperation between the Participants as set forth in this MOU shall not be construed as the creation of a partnership or any other type of legal entity or person. Each Participant shall bear all expenses incurred in connection with this MOU at its own expense. The Participants intend to implement this MOU in a manner that does not interfere with any other arrangements existing between the Participants before or after the signing of this MOU. Nothing in this MOU is intended to be construed as an exclusive employment relationship.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

On the Partnership in the Field of Energy Security between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as the Participants),

Expressing mutual interest in investing in Armenia's energy sector to contribute to Armenia's energy diversification, security, resilience and modernization of Armenia's energy sector,

Affirming the common desire to expand cooperation in the civilian nuclear field,

Recognizing the complementary nature of the work of the Participants and the benefits of closer strategic cooperation between them,

have reached the following understanding:

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as the MoU) is to cooperate to improve the resilience of Armenia’s energy system, including by aligning Armenia’s energy sector regulations and market standards with international best practices, and to contribute to Armenia’s transition to a low-carbon, competitive and internationally integrated energy economy.

Participants aim to respond to Armenia's energy sector priorities, including:

• encouraging private sector investment,

• expanding cooperation on nuclear energy issues in the civilian sector,

• increasing the protection of critical energy facilities, and

• strengthening the energy resilience and independence of critical and social infrastructures,

• promoting regional cooperation and cross-border energy trade opportunities,

• Supporting the skills development and capacity building of Armenia's energy sector workforce.

II. Areas of cooperation

The participants aim to collaborate in a number of areas, including, but not limited to, the following areas:

1. Cooperation on civil nuclear energy issues, including small modular reactor technologies,

2. promoting investments to strengthen Armenia's critical energy infrastructure, including the development of energy storage battery plants for renewable energy sources, and

3. Promoting investments to modernize Armenia's electricity transmission and distribution networks,

4. Increasing the cybersecurity of Armenia's energy infrastructure, including through technical assistance.

III. General provisions

1. Duration: This MOU shall enter into force on the date of its signature and shall be valid for a period of one (1) year. It is expected that cooperation under this MOU will continue for a further three (3) periods unless one of the Participants notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate cooperation under this MOU at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of termination. Any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this MOU may be settled amicably through consultations between the competent authorities of the Participants.

2. Amendments: The Participants may amend this Agreement by mutual written agreement.

3. Contact Persons: Participants intend to designate contact persons from their respective institutions to coordinate the implementation of this MOU.

4. Reporting and Dialogue: The participants plan to hold regular consultations, including at expert and high-level levels, to review progress and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

5. Operation of the MOU: Nothing in this MOU creates any rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The Participants specifically acknowledge that this MOU is not an obligation to provide resources. The Participants intend to maintain their separate and distinct missions and mandates and their own responsibilities. The cooperation between the Participants as set forth in this MOU shall not be construed as the creation of a partnership or any other type of legal entity or person. Each Participant shall bear all expenses incurred in connection with this MOU at its own expense. The Participants intend to implement this MOU in a manner that does not interfere with any other arrangement existing between the Participants before or after the signing of this MOU. Nothing in this MOU is intended to be construed as an exclusive employment relationship.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

On the Partnership for Capacity Development under the Crossroads of Peace Project between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter referred to as the Participants),

Stressing unequivocal support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of Armenia's internationally recognized borders,

Expressing mutual interest in investing in Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" project and improving Armenia's infrastructure and border security,

Affirming the shared desire to improve Armenia's infrastructure and border security capabilities and its ability to function as an effective transit hub for regional and global trade, and

Recognizing the complementary nature of the work of the Participants and the benefits of closer strategic cooperation between them,

have reached the following understanding:

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as the “MoU”) is to cooperate to improve Armenia’s infrastructure and border security, including through investments, resources, training, and partnerships between the Participants.

Participants aim to address Armenia's infrastructure and border security priorities, including:

• encouraging private sector investment,

• enhancing cooperation and capacity building in the area of customs control efficiency and border security, including to combat illegal movement and smuggling,

• Facilitating the exchange of best practices between the US Department of Homeland Security and the Armenian National Security Service Border Guards and the State Revenue Committee,

• Expanding best practices and capabilities in the field of cybersecurity.

II. Areas of cooperation

The participants aim to collaborate in a number of areas, including, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Enhancing Armenia's border security through training, U.S. government resources, and best practices from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection Agency.

• increasing investment in cyber defense operations; and

• Promoting investments to modernize Armenia's infrastructure, as well as the border security sector.

III. General provisions

1. Duration: This MOU shall enter into force on the date of its signature and shall be valid for a period of one (1) year. It is expected that cooperation under this MOU will continue for a further three (3) periods unless one of the Parties notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate cooperation under this MOU at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of termination. Any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this MOU may be settled amicably through consultations between the competent authorities of the Parties.

2. Amendments: The Participants may amend this Agreement by mutual written agreement.

3. Contact Persons: Participants intend to designate contact persons from their respective institutions to coordinate the implementation of this MoU.

4. Reporting and Dialogue: The participants plan to hold regular consultations, including at expert and high-level levels, to review progress and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

5. Operation of the MOU: Nothing in this MOU creates any rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The Participants specifically acknowledge that this MOU is not an obligation to provide resources. The Participants intend to maintain their separate and distinct missions and mandates and their own responsibilities. The cooperation between the Participants as set forth in this MOU shall not be construed as the creation of a partnership or any other type of legal entity or person. Each Participant shall bear all expenses incurred in connection with this MOU at its own expense. The Participants intend to implement this MOU in a manner that does not interfere with any other arrangements existing between the Participants before or after the signing of this MOU. Nothing in this MOU is intended to be construed as an exclusive employment relationship.”