Unofficial translation

The National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Academy of Sciences of Georgia, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Moldova, the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, hereinafter referred to as the “Parties,”

expressing their wiliness for further strengthen and develop fruitful cooperation in the field of science and technology,

recognizing the importance of international scientific cooperation for expanding mutual understanding and friendly relations between the GUUAM Member States, have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties shall promote scientific and technical cooperation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.

Article 2

The Parties shall develop cooperation through the implementation of joint projects and programs, the scientist exchange, and participation in scientific events organized by the Parties.

Article 3

The Parties shall develop joint research programs on certain fundamental and applied problems. Their preparation will be coordinated by the newly created Permanent Commission, meetings of latter shall be held as required, but at least once a year.

The activities of the Permanent Commission shall be regulated by the Statute on the Commission, which will be developed by the Parties and will be an integral part of the provisions of this Protocol.

Article 4

 The Parties shall facilitate the implementation of joint projects and programs in the field of fundamental and applied science and new technologies, as well as direct contacts between relevant educational and scientific institutions and the organization of joint conferences and symposia.

 Article 5

The Parties shall inform each other on international scientific symposia, congresses, conferences, seminars, and colloquiums planned in their countries, and also shall exchange scientific papers and materials on its results.

Article 6

The Parties shall ensure the protection of intellectual property rights in implementation of the cooperation provided for this Protocol, and will facilitate the exchange of joint scientific research results and information.

Article 7

The Parties consider it appropriate to hold joint meetings of the Presidiums of the National Academies of Sciences on the most important scientific, scientific-technical, economic, and humanitarian issues of the GUUAM Member States.

Article 8

 Based on the provisions of this Protocol, specific activities, terms, and conditions for its implementation shall be determined through joint consultations.

Article 9

This Protocol shall be without prejudice to the rights and obligations of the Parties under other international agreements to which they are Parties.

Article 10

This Protocol is concluded for a term of 5 (five) years and shall enter into force on the date of its signature.

Done in Yalta on July 4, 2003, in five copies in the Russian language.