Armenia. U.S. to collaborate to enhance capacity of  Crossroads of  Peace initiative

ArmInfo. Armenia and the United States will collaborate to enhance the capacity of the Crossroads of Peace initiative, as evidenced by the agreement signed between the governments of both countries on August 8 in Washington. Today,  the government of Armenia published this agreement. 

According to the document,  purpose of this Memorandum of  Understanding (hereinafter "MOU") is to collaborate towards the  improvement of Armenia's infrastructure and border security,  including through investment, resources, training, and partnership  between the Participants.  The Participants intend to respond to  Armenia's infrastructure and border security priorities, including:   Encouraging private sector investment; Increasing efficiency of  customs control and border security cooperation and capacity  building, including to combat illicit trafficking and smuggling;  Facilitating the exchanges of best practices between the U.S.  Department of Homeland Security and the Armenian Border Guard Troops  of the National Security Service and State Revenue Committee.  Strengthening cyber security best practices and capacities.

The Participants intend to collaborate in a number of areas,  including enhancing Armenia's border security through training, U.S.  government resources, and best practices from U.S. Department of  Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection; increasing  investment on cyber defense operations; and promoting investment to  modernize Armenia's infrastructure as well as the border security  sector.

The MOU becomes operative on the date of its signing and is intended  to remain operative for a period of one (1) year. Cooperation under  this MOU is expected to continue for additional 3 periods unless one  of the Participants notifies the other in writing of its intention to  discontinue cooperation under this MOU at least sixty (60) days prior  to the date of discontinuance. Any differences regarding the  interpretation or application of the MOU may be resolved amicably  through consultations between the competent bodies of the  Participants.

The Participants intend to hold regular consultations, including at  the expert and senior levels to review progress and identify new  opportunities for collaboration.  Nothing in this MOU gives rise to  rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The  Participants specifically acknowledge that this MOU is not an  obligation of funds. The Participants intend to maintain their own  separate and unique missions and mandates and their own  accountabilities. The cooperation between the Participants as  outlined in this MOU is not intended to be construed as a partnership  or other type of legal entity or personality.