US, Armenia Sign MoU on AI and Semiconductor Partnership

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on an innovative partnership in the field of AI and semiconductors has been published. It provides for a wide range of cooperation in this field, from the training and retraining of specialists to the exchange of experience and quality control. Armenia, which for years has considered IT and the engineering direction a priority, gets the opportunity to interact with powerful international actors in these fields and have its share in the progress and expected profit of this sector.

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter "the Participants"),

recognizing their common interest in promoting innovation, economic development, and technological advancement,

expressing mutual interest in investing in Armenia's semiconductor ecosystem, which will contribute to technological commercialization and economic benefit for both Participants,

affirming the shared desire to increase support for resilient semiconductor supply chains, 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 United States of America and the Republic of Armenia are developing this Memorandum of Understanding in accordance with the Charter of the US-Armenia Strategic Partnership, with the aim of deepening cooperation on the development of secure semiconductor supply chains, including in the semiconductor ecosystem and the integrated circuit (IC) and electronic industry branches, creating links between their respective industries and commercializing artificial intelligence applications, as well as implementing the necessary conditions required to raise Armenia's assessed status within the US export control system.

The Participants aim to respond to their development priorities in the semiconductor supply chain and artificial intelligence fields, including by:

exploring opportunities to further develop Armenia's semiconductor ecosystem.

encouraging private sector investment, also through the exploration of joint programs and public-private partnerships, to accelerate the practical implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter "MoU").

increasing the mutual exchange of information regarding best practices in the development of secure semiconductor supply chains and artificial intelligence applications.

expanding bilateral and international discussions on best practices for export control measures.

promoting joint research partnerships (also through the possible establishment of an Armenia-US bi-national science foundation) on semiconductors, as well as the resilience of supply chains, to support innovation, workforce development, knowledge, and technological transfer.

II. Areas of Cooperation

The Participants aim to cooperate in a number of areas, including the following:

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

Expanding export control measures for secure semiconductor supply chains.

Strengthening effective export control measures for the development of artificial intelligence applications and models.

Expanding cooperation between the Participants to define, identify, and prevent the diversion of artificial intelligence resources.

Training the workforce to effectively use and integrate artificial intelligence applications, including on issues related to freedom, accuracy, integrity, and purpose.

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

III. General Provisions

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.

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

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

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

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.