MEMORANDUM OF INTENT BETWEEN

THD ORGANIZATION OF THE BLACK SEA ECONOMIC

COOPERATION AIYD

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ON SCIENCE AFID TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION

L. Introduction

The Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the Governmentof the United States of America (United States), hereinafter referred to separately as"Participants" intend to collaborate on scientific and technological research in orderto strengthen scientific and technological capabilities of the Participants, to broadenand expand relations among the extensive scientific and technological communitiesof the Participants, and to promote scientific and technological cooperation in areasof mutual benefit for peaceful purposes.

2. Purpose

2.1 Through this Memorandum of Intent (Memorandum), the Participants plan toestablish guidelines for scientific and technological cooperation between BSEC andthe United States.

2.2 The Participants expect this cooperation to provide opportunities for theexchange of ideas, information, skills, and techniques, and to collaborate onscientific and technological projects of mutual interest and of broad significance tothe region encompassed by the Participants.

3. Scope

3.1 Under this Memorandum, the Participants plan to encourage cooperation inscientific and technological areas of mutual interest and regional significancethrough: exchanges of scientific and technical information; exchanges of scientistsand technical experts; the convening of joint seminars and meetings; training ofscientists and technical experts; the conduct of joint research projects; educationalexchanges related to science and technology; establishment of science-based,public-private partnerships; and other mutually agreed upon forms of scientific andtechnological cooperation.

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3.2 Cooperation under this Memorandum should be based on shared responsibilities,contributions and benefits, in accordance with the terms to be negotiated by theentities cooperating on each project (hereinafter "cooperating entities").

3.3 The Participants intend to encourage and facilitate, where appropriate, thedevelopment of direct contacts and cooperation among their government agencies,universities, research centers, institutions, private sector companies, and otherentities.

3.4 The Participants and their designees may conclude under this Memorandumimplementing affangements, as appropriate, in specific areas of science andtechnology. The Participants anticipate these implementing arrangements to coveroas appropriate, topics of cooperation, procedures for transfer and use of materials,equipment and funds, and other relevant issues.

4. Areas of Collaboration and Cooperation

The Participants should give priorify to collaborations that advance goals in scienceand technology shared between BSEC and the United States; and supportpartnerships between public and private research institutions and industry, touchingon the full spectrum of science and technology issues, such as promotion of science-based decision-making, environmental and biodiversity protection, integratedwatershed management, marine research, meteorology, climate change, seismology,agriculture, energy, space, health, waste managemento biotechnology, informationand communication technologies, including international broadbandinterconnectivity, science and technology education, the science, technology andengineering supporting sustainable development, and the social sciences.

5. Source of F'unding

5.1 Cooperative activities covered under this Memorandum are subject to anddependent upon the availability of personnelo resources, and appropriated funds.

5.2 This Memorandum is not to be construed to obligate any particular expenditureor commitment of resources or personnel. The financial arangements should bedetermined by the Participants in writing before the start of each activity.

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6. Coordination

The Participants should designate Executive Agents to implement steps tocoordinate planning and decision making activities and conduct administrativeaffairs. The Executive Agents may, as appropriate, provide oversight and guidanceof activities under this Memorandum. The Executive Agent for BSEC is to be BSECPERMIS under the guidance of the Commiffee of Senior Officials. The ExecutiveAgent for the LJnited States is to be the Department of State.

7. Review, Modification and Expiration

7.1 The Participants intend for cooperation to commence upon the signature of thisMemorandum. The Participants intend to review this Memorandum every ten (10)years and it may be modified through a mutual understanding made by theParticipants in writing.

7 .2 If any Participant decides to end their cooperative activities under thisMemorandum, this Participant should noti$ the other Participant in writing at least6 (six) months in advance of its intention. Unless otherwise decided, a Participant'sdecision to end participation should not affect the implementation of anycooperative activity carried out under this Memorandum and not completed uponthe date of that decision.

This Memorandum of Intent is not intended to have any binding effect underinternational law.

Signed at Thessaloniki, in duplicate, this twenty sixth day of November,2Al0.

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FOR THE ORGANIZATION OFBLACK SEA ECONOMICCOOPERATION:

FOR THE GOVERNMENTOF TI{E UMTED STATESOF AMERICA: