Embassy of the United States

Joint Statements

Expanding Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Education (May 31, 2006)

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON EXPANDING COOPERATION AND EXCHANGES IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

The U.S. Department of Education and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, hereinafter referred to as "the Parties",

Guided by the desire for closer cooperation in the field of education in keeping with the provisions of the Joint Declaration by President Bush and President Putin on May 24, 2002 on a new strategic relationship between the United States and the Russian Federation, and in keeping with the spirit of the joint Bratislava Initiatives of February 2005; and

To promote and expand cooperation and exchanges in the field of education between the two countries, based on the principles of equality, mutual understanding and effectiveness,

Have agreed as follows:

Article I

The Parties are expanding cooperation and developing partnerships among various types of educational institutions in the United States and Russia that reflect the best practices of the educational systems of both countries. This collaboration supplements existing programs, including exchange programs, and promotes the creation of new programs in accordance with the future development of mutual relations.

Article II

The Parties are focusing their efforts on creating conditions that will promote the development of long-term constructive ties in the field of education. Subject to mutual agreement, these efforts could include support of partnerships between institutions of higher education, particularly in the fields of mathematics, science, information technology, and English and Russian languages. These partnerships are designed to strengthen the role of universities in building the innovation society; support the exchange of teachers, university faculty, students and young scholars; and encourage the participation of the private sector. Other collaborative activities may be agreed upon by the Parties in accordance with the objectives of this MOU.

Article III

The U.S. executive agency with primary responsibility for implementing this MOU is the U.S. Department of Education, in consultation with the U.S. Department of State. The executive agency of the Russian Federation with primary responsibility for implementing this MOU is the Ministry of Education and Science, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Other U.S. and Russian agencies may also participate in activities developed under this MOU.

Article IV

In order to carry out this MOU, the Parties are creating a Working Group that will focus on making recommendations for the development of joint programs and their implementation and monitoring and analyzing ongoing collaborative activities conducted under this MOU.

Article V

Each Party and each executive agency bears the costs of its participation under the terms of this MOU.

Article VI

This MOU can be changed or added to by mutual agreement of both Parties.

Article VII

This MOU takes effect on the date of signing and continues in force until one of the Parties declares its intent to terminate its participation by providing to the other Party a written notification no less than six months prior to the termination of its participation.

Should this MOU be terminated for any reason in accordance with the procedures outlined above, the Parties can continue with any activity initiated before the termination of this Memorandum.

DONE at Moscow, ___________ of ___________ 2006 in duplicate, each in the English and Russian languages, both texts having equal force.