[Title] Memorandum of Cooperation on the Joint Crediting Mechanism between the Government of Japan and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic

1. The Government of Japan and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to individually as a "government" and collectively as "both governments"), in pursuit of the objectives of the Paris Agreement including holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels as stipulated in its Article 2, paragraph 1, sub-paragraph (a), and in order to enhance bilateral cooperation in addressing climate change, establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (hereinafter referred to as "the JCM").

2. The JCM aims to facilitate diffusion of, among others, leading decarbonizing technologies, products, systems, services and infrastructure as well as implementation of mitigation actions, thereby contributing to greenhouse gas emissions reductions or removals and sustainable development in the Kyrgyz Republic, and the achievement of nationally determined contributions of Japan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

3. Both governments implement the JCM in accordance with the relevant domestic laws and regulations in force in respective countries.

4. Both governments establish the Joint Committee consisting of representatives from each government to implement the JCM.

5. The Joint Committee develops rules and guidelines necessary for the implementation of the JCM, relating to project cycle procedures, methodologies, project design documents, monitoring, designation of third-party entities, validation and verification and other related matters of the JCM.

6. Both governments mutually recognize that part of JCM credits issued from emission reductions and removals may be used towards the achievement of Japan's nationally determined contribution and the rest of the said JCM credits may contribute to the achievement of the Kyrgyz Republic's nationally determined contribution, while ensuring that double counting is avoided on the basis of corresponding adjustments, consistent with the guidance on cooperative approaches, referred to in Article 6, paragraph 2 of the Paris Agreement (hereinafter referred to as "the guidance").

7. Each government authorizes the JCM credits issued in the JCM registry of Japan for use towards the achievement of Japan's nationally determined contribution as internationally transferred mitigation outcomes, consistent with the guidance.

8. Each government may authorize part of JCM credits for use for other international mitigation purposes, as appropriate, consistent with the guidance.

9. Both governments ensure the transparency and environmental integrity of the JCM and maintain it simple and practical, to promote concrete actions for global greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals.

10. Both governments work in close cooperation for the implementation of the JCM. The Government of Japan will facilitate technological and capacity building support necessary for the administration of the JCM by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

11. Both governments aim for contributions to assist adaptation efforts of developing countries.

12. Either government may terminate this Memorandum of Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as "MoC") by giving at least six (6) months' prior notice to the other government through diplomatic channel. Such termination will not affect existing projects or activities under this MoC.

13. Both governments recognize that this MoC is not legally binding and does not create any legal rights or obligations. Contents of this MoC will not affect any of rights and obligations of both governments, arising from other applicable international treaties.

14. Any content of this MoC may be modified and supplemented by mutual written consent between both governments.

15. Any differences in the interpretation, application and implementation of this MoC are resolved amicably through consultations between both governments.

Signed in Bishkek on 6 July 2023, in two originals in the English language.

For the Government of Japan
GODA Hideki
Ambassador of Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Japan
to the Kyrgyz Republic

For the Cabinet of Ministers
of the Kyrgyz Republic
Azamat TEMIRKULOV
Deputy Minister,
Ministry of Natural Resources,
Ecology and Technical Supervision
of the Kyrgyz Republic