We, the Heads of Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine,
Reiterating our commitment to the values, principles and objectives of the ODED-GUAM enshrined in GUAM basic documents, as well as to the resolutions, decisions and recommendations of GUAM Summits and GUAM Supreme Bodies;
Reaffirming our commitment to the norms and principles of international law, enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act;
Expressing deep concern over the unresolved conflicts in the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders of the States;
Stressing that the existence of the unresolved conflicts in the GUAM area impedes sustainable development of the GUAM Member States and the region as a whole and poses serious threat to international peace, security and stability;
Underlining 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;
Reiterating our firm commitment to strengthen our cooperation in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism in all their forms and manifestation, transnational organized crime, economical crimes, illicit trade in arms, narcotic drugs and their precursors, human trafficking, crime against cultural and historical heritage, cybercrime and migrant smuggling;
Acknowledging the ODED-GUAM as an important and effective regional organization aiming at promotion of peace, security, stability and sustainable development through multi-faceted cooperation;
Noting with satisfaction the advancements made in cooperation in the framework of GUAM since the meeting of the Heads of Government held on 27 March, 2017 in Kyiv;
Emphasizing the prime importance of the implementation of the GUAM flagship initiatives – GUAM Transport Corridor (GUAM TC) and GUAM Free Trade Area (FTA) – for fostering cooperation among Member States, as well as the capitalization on the geographical advantage, as a natural corridor between Asia and Europe, in the interests and for the benefit of the GUAM Member States and wider international community;
Acknowledging the outcomes to that effect of the high level meetings on transport, trade and customs;
Welcoming the ongoing work 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;
Hailing in this respect the commencement of the work of the Working Body on implementation of the Agreement of the Establishment of the FTA among the GUAM Member States and calling upon the parties to ensure its efficient and effective functioning;
Welcoming the progress in the implementation of the Project on Trade and Transportation Facilitation, in particular the signing of the “Protocol among the customs administrations of the GUAM Member States on cooperation in the field of fight against customs offences related to the movement of goods by air transport across the state borders of the GUAM Member States”;
Taking into consideration the activities aimed at the implementation of the GUAM Plan of Measures on the development of international transportation along the GUAM Corridor and the elaboration in this respect of the Feasibility study for the development of the GUAM TC;
Taking note of the recommendations of the GUAM Business Forum “GUAM – Territory of Free Trade and Transit” (March 2017) on the establishment of the institutional mechanism for engaging commercial enterprise and private initiative to ensure inclusiveness in the implementation of GUAM projects and initiatives;
Commending the decision of the GUAM CMFA on the elaboration of a comprehensive strategy of cooperation in the framework of GUAM based on the Chairman’s “Vision Paper”, adopted by the GUAM CMFA on 08 October 2017 in Tbilisi;
Underlining the importance of enhancement of cultural and humanitarian dimensions in cooperation among the GUAM Member States aimed at shaping GUAM area as a harmonious and cohesive cultural space;
Noting the importance of innovative technological development of the GUAM Member States;
Reassuring that ODED-GUAM remains open for active multi-faceted cooperation with all interested parties who share same principles, values and objectives and underlining that its activities are not directed against any third party;
Have agreed on the following:
We shall undertake measures to expedite the implementation of the GUAM flagship initiatives in trade and transport aimed at fostering regional and inter-regional cooperation.
We shall undertake coordinated and concerted efforts in the implementation of the projects in the framework of these initiatives and call upon all interested parties to engage in this process.
We shall take efforts to enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of the GUAM TC, as an essential link connecting Europe and Asia.
We agreed to finalize the 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” and prepare it for the signing as soon as possible.
We welcome the process of establishment of the Association of Business Cooperation (ABC) as a platform and a tool for fostering and forging public-private partnership and cooperation in the implementation of GUAM projects and initiatives in trade and transport;
We shall support profiled project-oriented approach in implementation of the objectives of the Organization. We reaffirm in this respect our readiness to widen and deepen the interaction with our partners and international organizations in realization of regional projects and multilateral programs of cooperation.
We invite international partners to provide support through technical and financial means for the preparation of the Feasibility study for the implementation of the GUAM TC, as well as exploring the possibility among the GUAM Member States authorities on the ways and means of strengthening GUAM capabilities to promote and support such an approach.
We shall also 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 UN Program for Sustainable Development 2030.
We emphasize the importance of cooperation programs embracing such areas as youth and sports, tourism, culture, science and education, and SMEs.
We support the enhancement of cooperation in the field of innovations among the GUAM Member States, and take note of the initiative on the creation of respective institutional mechanisms.
We reaffirm our resolve to ensure the soonest settlement of the unresolved conflicts in the territories of the GUAM Member States on the basis of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of GUAM Member States.
We underline the importance of keeping the issue of the unresolved conflicts high on the international agenda, including the non-recognition policy towards the illegal regimes in conflict affected areas, and call upon international community to increase support to GUAM Member States as well as their efforts for a speedy and lasting resolution of the conflicts on the basis of norms and principles of international law, namely sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states, Helsinki Final Act, the Resolutions of the UN Security Council and other international organizations.
We express our high appreciation to the Prime Minister and the authorities of the Republic of Moldova for an excellent organization of the Meeting and hospitality offered throughout the event in Chisinau.
5 October 2018, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
