The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Culture of Georgia, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Ukraine, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”,

Taking into account the traditions of cultural contacts and friendly relations of their peoples,

Being convinced that ties in the field of culture and art meet profound interests of States of the Parties and promote further development of relations and mutually beneficial cooperation,

Taking into account spiritual needs and interests of citizens living outside their States,

Striving to further develop and strengthen cooperation in the field of culture and art,

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties shall comprehensively promote development and deepening of cooperation in the field of culture and art.

Article 2

The Parties shall promote organization and conduct of cultural events, projects aimed at support and coordination of cooperation of state, public and creative unions in the field of culture and art.

Article 3

The Parties express their readiness to promote realization of joint projects in the field of culture and invitation of professional, amateur and folk collectives and individual performers from one country to another.

Article 4

The Parties shall facilitate joint art festivals and exhibitions, tours of creative collectives and soloists, theater performances.

Article 5

The Parties shall comprehensively promote broadening of creative exchange and interaction among collectives, organizations and unions of individuals representing literature, art and cinematography, conduct of traditional days of national cultures, exchange of delegations of culture workers and specialists at state, regional and local levels.

Article 6

The Parties shall exchange experience and cooperate in protection and use of objects of historical and cultural heritage located within the territories of States of the Parties, as well as consider a possibility of joint events to protect cultural heritage.

Article 7

The Parties shall undertake necessary measures aimed at prevention of illegal export of cultural values from the territories of their States to the territories of GUUAM Participating States and third States.

Article 8

The Parties shall establish regular information exchange for broad enlightenment of actual events of cultural life, historical ties of the peoples living within the territories of GUUAM countries.

Article 9

The Parties shall promote further cooperation in the spirit of dialogue of cultures and civilizations, principles of tolerance and mutual respect of spiritual heritage of the peoples.

Article 10

This Protocol shall be without prejudice to obligations of the Parties under other international agreements.

Article 11

This Protocol shall enter into force on signature and remain valid until 31 December 2005.

Done at Yalta on 20 July 2002 in four copies in the English and Russian languages, all the texts being equally authentic.