On December 14-15, 2013 in the conference ''The Perspectives of the Armenian-Georgian Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation'' held in Tufenkian Centre of Lori Marz a joint statement was adopted and Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the Parliament of Georgia was signed by the Chairmen of the committees Artak Zakaryan and Tedo Japaridze.

Joint Statement

On December 14-15, 2013 the delegations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenian and of the Parliament of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as Sides) have met to discuss the prospects of the Georgia-Armenia inter-parliamentary cooperation in Alaverdi city of Armenia, and have adopted this joint statement.

Stressing their adherence to the centuries long history of tradition of fraternal relations between two nations,

Acknowledging the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Parliament of Georgia

Taking into account the role of parliaments in furthering international cooperation, mutual trust, democracy and civil society development, as well as

Recognizing considerable contribution of legislatures in addressing regional and global challenges,

The Sides :

1. State that established constructive inter-state cooperation between Armenia and Georgia provides strong grounds for further development and enhancement of bilateral inter-parliamentary ties.

2. Agree that they have a special obligation of raising awareness of their respective electorates of the need to further develop and deepen relations between Armenia and Georgia, thus contributing to the strengthening of the interstate ties based on trust, mutual respect and understanding.

3. Emphasize the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in harmonizing the legislation of the two friendly countries,

4. Acknowledge the significance of implementing joint projects in future, the necessity of economic initiatives and programs of mutual interest, and recognize the importance of the parliamentary support and oversight during the implementation of such projects.

5. Welcome the current trend of intensified and enhanced inter-parliamentary relations and stress the need for further enhancement of such co-operative efforts.

6. Agree to make this format of cooperation traditional and to convoke the next gathering in Georgia in 2014.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on Cooperation between the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the Parliament of Georgia

The Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the Parliament of Georgia (hereafter Parties);

- attaching paramount importance to the friendly relations, mutual understanding and close cooperation between Armenia and Georgia;

- convinced that the cooperation between the two committees will further the deepening and strengthening of multilateral ties between the parliaments of the Republic of Armenia and Georgia;

- guided by the universally recognized principles and rules of international law;

- recognizing the need for cooperation between the foreign affairs committees of the two countries;

- assuring their aspiration for the further deepening of comprehensive cooperation aimed at the development of inter-parliamentary ties, exchange of experience in legislative activity, jointdeliberationsand consulting in areas of mutual interest and, exchange of information on issues of mutual interest under discussion in the parliaments of the two states;

Agreed on the following:

Principles of the Memorandum

The Parties shall be guided by the following principles:

- full independence of each Party in policy development aimed atthe support to and development of cooperation;

- implementation of bilateral cooperation based on equality, partnership and for the benefit of the Parties through:

- joint hearings;

- visits;

- active cooperation within inter-parliamentary fora;

- strengthening of democracy and joint initiatives on issues of mutual interest.

Goals of the Memorandum

1. Establishment of relations and cooperation between the Parties;

2. Development of cooperation methods and mechanisms;

3. Exchange and study of information and experience on the key aspects of activity on a regular basis.

Authorized Bodies of the Parties

The authorized bodies of the Parties responsible for the implementation of this Memorandum shall be as follows:

On behalf of the Armenian side, the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia

On behalf of the Georgian side, the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the Parliament of the Republic of Georgia

Entry into Force of the Memorandum

This Memorandum shall enter into force upon the date of its signature and may be revised for each Party by the committee established by the parliament of the new convocation of one of the countries. It may also be revised in the event of structural adjustment or change of functions and powers of the standing committee on foreign relations in the parliament of one of the Parties.

With the mutual consent of Parties amendments and addenda may be made to this MoU, to be worded in separate appendices. The appendices shall enter into force upon signature and be an inalienable part of this MoU.