Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in sea transportation between Arab East Countries signed in Damascus under the auspices of the United Nations and ratified by the Legislative Decree No. 4 of 17 January.

The aim of this Memorandum of Understanding is to encourage and develop the cooperation in sea activities between the Arab East Countries. It is composed of 22 articles. Article 1 gives terms and definitions. Article 2 deals with objectives and principles of the Memorandum in particular: to create harmony between politicise of the Parties related to the sea transportation and ports; to improve and develop sea activities and services; to realize a sustainable development of sea commercial fleets in their Countries; to organize periodic consultations between the Parties in order to unify their positions on international and regional levels; to harmonize their positions regarding the joining to international and regional conventions and treaties; and to reinforce bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the Parties concerning the management of the sea transportation. Article 3 provides for national fleets and sea navigation. Article 4 pertains to seaports and harbours. Article 5 addresses the coast transportation between their ports. Article 6 relates to the control of the State on ships and sea ports. Article 7 concerns with the employment, labour force, education and training. Article 8 deals with the sea security and safety as well as with the protection of marine environment against pollution by the cooperation between the Parties and by carrying out periodic and joint training and exercises. Article 9 invites the Parties to cooperate and unify their positions in international and regional conferences. Articles 10 to 22 deal with the following matters: sea protection and indemnity; sea insurance; classification of ships; international multi-means transportation; legislations and arrangements; implementation’s mechanisms; signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and joining; entry into force; amendments; withdrawal; termination; scopes of application; and the deposit authority.