"Crossroads of Peace" Featured in New US-Armenia MoU

The RA Government has published the Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 8 between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on partnership in the field of capacity development for the "Crossroads of Peace" project. It reveals details about the Armenian-American partnership, exchange of experience, and mutual support during the implementation of certain works within the framework of the "Crossroads of Peace" project declared by the RA. There is also a reference to the modernization of RA border checkpoints with the support of US partners.

The United States and the Republic of Armenia, emphasizing their unequivocal support for Armenia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders, expressing mutual interest in investing in Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" project and in improving Armenia's infrastructure and border security,

confirming the shared desire to improve Armenia's infrastructure and border security capacities and its ability to act as an effective transit hub for regional and global trade, and recognizing the complementary nature of the Participants' work and the benefits of a closer strategic cooperation between them,

have reached the following understanding:

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as MoU) is to cooperate towards the improvement of Armenia's infrastructure and border security, including through investment, resources, training, and partnership between the Participants.

The Participants aim to respond to Armenia's infrastructure and border security priorities, including by:

• encouraging private sector investment,

• expanding the efficiency of customs control and cooperation in border security and capacity development, including to combat illicit trafficking and smuggling,

• facilitating the exchange of best practices between the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Border Guard Troops of the National Security Service of Armenia and the State Revenue Committee,

• expanding best practices and capacities in the field of cybersecurity.

II. Areas of Cooperation

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

• enhancing Armenia's border security through training, US government resources, and best practices from the Customs and Border Protection agency of the US Department of Homeland Security.

• increasing investment in cyber defense operations; and

• promoting investment to modernize Armenia's infrastructure, as well as its border security sector.

III. General Provisions

1. Duration: This MoU enters into force on the date of its signature and is intended to be in effect for a period of one (1) year. It is expected that cooperation under this MoU will continue for an additional 3 terms, unless one Participant 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 disagreement related to the interpretation or application of this MoU may be resolved amicably through consultations between the competent authorities of the Participants.

2. Amendments: The Participants may make amendments to this MoU by mutual written decision.

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

4. Reports and Dialogue: The Participants plan to hold periodic consultations, including at the expert and high levels, to review progress and identify new opportunities for interaction.

5. Operation of the MoU: Nothing in this MoU creates rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The Participants specifically acknowledge that this MoU is not a commitment of funds. The Participants intend to maintain their separate and unique missions and mandates and their own responsibilities. Cooperation between the participants as provided for in this MoU should not be construed as the creation of a partnership or any other type of legal entity or person. Each Participant is to bear all costs arising 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 working relationship.