12 December 2019, Kyiv, Ukraine
We, the Heads of Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine,
Acknowledging the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM as an important and effective regional organization, aiming at the promotion of peace, security, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea basins region;
Reaffirming our commitment to the values, principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM, as well as to the Resolutions and Decisions of the ODED–GUAM Supreme bodies;
Reconfirming our strict adherence to the norms and principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act and their commitments under the fundamental documents of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development in the development of the regional cooperation in the framework of the ODED–GUAM;
Expressing once again deep concern over the unresolved conflicts in the territories of the GUAM Member States that undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders of these states, stressing that the existence of the unresolved conflicts impede sustainable development and full-fledged regional cooperation, as well as pose serious threat to regional peace, security and stability;
Underscoring that the territory of a state cannot be the object of acquisition by another state, resulting from the threat or use of force and that the territorial acquisition, military occupation or annexation, resulting from such act shall be unanimously recognized as illegal;
Stressing in this connection the urgency of the soonest settlement of the unresolved conflicts in the territories of the GUAM Member States on the basis of the norms and principles of international law, as enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act and the provisions of the related UN Security Council Resolutions in full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the States within their internationally recognized borders;
Aiming at the full utilization of the geographical advantages of the GUAM area as an alternative natural bridge connecting Europe and Asia, as well as unleashing the economic, cultural and human potential of the GUAM Member States;
Noting with satisfaction the advancements made in cooperation in the framework of the ODED–GUAM since the meeting of the Heads of Government, held on October 5, 2018, in Chisinau, specifically in the fields of transport and transit facilitation;
Emphasizing the role of the private initiative and enterprise in efficient and sustainable development, and public-private partnership in the implementation of the GUAM projects and initiatives in trade and transport;
Taking note of the recommendations of the Second GUAM Business Forum «Public-Private Partnership in the Implementation of the GUAM Projects and Initiatives» held on December 12, 2019, in Kyiv;
Noting the importance of innovative IT platforms and modern digital technologies for the development for cooperation in different areas in particular in trade and transportation and digitalization of transport corridors is a high priority for simplification and acceleration of cargo flow;
Acknowledging that the successful launching and efficient functioning of the GUAM Transport Corridor (TC) will significantly contribute to the regional and interregional cooperation and sustainable development with positive effect beyond the region;
Reasserting our firm commitment and strong will to expedite the preparation of the Feasibility Study for the GUAM TC;
Welcoming the ongoing discussions/negotiations on the «Protocol on regulations determining the country of origin of goods to the Agreement on Establishment of Free Trade Area among the GUUAM Participating States of 20 July 2002» that will streamline and facilitate the full-fledged implementation of the Agreement;
Reiterating our firm commitment to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestation, transnational organized crime, economic crimes, illicit trafficking in human beings, narcotic drugs and their precursors, a crime against cultural and historical heritage, cybercrime and migrant smuggling;
Reaffirming our commitment to the enhancement of cooperation in cultural and humanitarian dimensions, as well as underscoring the importance of further facilitation of people–to–people contacts among the GUAM Member States, aimed at shaping GUAM area as a harmonious and cohesive cultural space;
Noting with satisfaction the growing interest towards the ODED–GUAM by the third parties, and underlining the importance of further developing and expanding cooperation with partner countries and international organizations in the implementation of projects and initiatives in the framework of GUAM;
Taking note of the progress in the elaboration of the strategic vision on the development of comprehensive cooperation in the framework of the ODED–GUAM based on the Chairmanship Vision Paper adopted at the CMFA on October 8, 2017, in Tbilisi;
Reaffirming that ODED–GUAM is open for cooperation with all interested parties who share the same principles, values and objectives;
Underlining that its activities are not directed against any third country;
Have agreed to:
Oversee the process of the implementation of the GUAM Action Plan for stimulating sectoral cooperation, which set goals for the development along the principal dimensions, projects and programs.
Support the efforts of the Steering Committee of the Project for Trade and Transportation Facilitation aimed at simplification procedures, through the application of blockchain technologies for verification of certificates of the origin of goods and functioning and mutual recognition of authorized economic operators.
Charge respective national authorities with the task to facilitate and expedite the development of the GUAM Digital Trade Hub to provide commercial and business entities with the required information on customs, trade, transportation and tourism.
Commission respective national authorities with the task of elaboration of proposals on combined tariffs on transportation to make GUAM TC attractive and competitive.
Support the efforts aimed at the development of sustainable transport chain, including the development of infrastructure, creation of the legal basis, modern border crossing points and digitalization of the transportation processes;
Undertake coordinated steps to enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of the GUAM TC, as an essential alternative link connecting Europe and Asia. Instruct respective GUAM working bodies together with business, where appropriate, to prepare a list of proposals to that effect.
Undertake necessary measures to facilitate and expedite the preparation of the Feasibility Study of the GUAM TC. Instruct respective national authorities to explore the ways and means to that end, including attracting the support of the international partners.
Entrust the Working Body on the implementation of the “Agreement on the Establishment of the FTA among the GUAM Member States” to ensure the proper functioning of free trade regime among the GUAM Member States and prepare on that score annual reports.
Facilitate the completion and signing in 2020 of “Protocol on regulations determining the country of origin of goods to the Agreement on Establishment of Free Trade Area among the GUUAM Participating States of 20 July 2002”.
Encourage and support further institutional strengthening of the GUAM business dimension to ensure active involvement and participation of the private sector in the implementation of the GUAM projects and initiatives.
Ensure collaboration of law enforcement institutions of the GUAM Member States, aimed at preventing and countering terrorism and combating organized crime through, inter alia the use of the GUAM Virtual Centre.
Call on the competent national authorities to jointly explore ways of setting up cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and in the use of ICTs, including through the initiation of the respective legal and institutional framework.
Undertake further measures for the facilitation of people–to–people contacts among the GUAM Member States, in particular, in the fields of mobility, consular services, tourism and telecommunications.
Support expansion of cooperation with our partner countries and international organizations in the realization of regional projects and multilateral programs of cooperation.
Promote cooperation in other fields with a view to ensure sustainable development and welfare of the GUAM Member States, thus contributing to security and stability in the GUAM area in compliance with the goals and objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Continue joint and coordinated efforts aimed at keeping the unresolved conflicts high on the international agenda, including mobilization of the international support for the non–recognition policy towards the illegal regimes in conflict-affected areas, as well as for the lasting resolution of the military conflicts on the territories of the GUAM Member States on the basis of norms and principles of international law, namely sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states.
We express our high appreciation to the Prime Minister and the authorities of Ukraine for an excellent organization of the Meeting and hospitality offered throughout the event in Kyiv.
