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

1. The Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (hereinafter referred to individually as a "Government" and collectively as "both Governments"), in pursuit of the objectives of the Paris Agreement adopted on 12 December 2015 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 Republic of Kazakhstan, and the achievement of nationally determined contributions of Japan and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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

4. Both Governments will establish the Joint Committee consisting of representatives from each Government to implement the JCM.

5. TheJointCommitteewilldeveloprulesandguidelinesnecessaryfortheimplementation 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 Republic of Kazakhstan'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 will 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 Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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

12. Either Government may terminate the application of this Memorandum 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 Memorandum.

13. This Memorandum may be modified and supplemented by mutual written consent of both Governments.

14. Any differences concerning the application of this Memorandum will be resolved amicably through consultations.

15. This Memorandum is not an international agreement and does not create any legal rights or obligations under international law for both Governments.

Signed in Astana on 30 October 2023, in two originals in the English language.

For the Government of Japan

YAMADA Jun
Ambassador of Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Japan
to the Republic of Kazakhstan

For the Government
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
NYSSANBAYEV Yerlan
Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources
of the Republic of Kazakhstan