Objective:
The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, European Biological Control Laboratory, hereinafter referred to as EBCL; and the Joint Genomic Center, Sofia University - St. Kliment Ohridski", hereinafter referred to as "JGC" and jointly referred to as "the Participants," hereby affirm their mutual interest in and desire to broaden cooperative research programs and exchanges. The Participants recognize that cooperation is a matter of working together toward common goals of mutual interest, mutual understandings and efficient administration of cooperative programs. Nothing in this broad understanding is to be construed as interfering in any way with the basic responsibilities and authority of either Participant for independent action. The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen the collaborations between the Participants in areas of mutual interest through cooperative research programs and exchanges. To this end, the Participants intend jointly to explore and coordinate research activities of mutual interest which should be implemented by mutual understanding and in conformance with the regulations and policies of both Participants.

Approach:
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defines in general terms the basis on which the Participants intend to cooperate. Individual projects may be developed between the Participants that outline specific research projects. Jointly explore and coordinate research activities of mutual interest which should be implemented by mutual understanding and in conformity with the regulations and policies of both participants.