Ministers of Defence of the GUUAM countries (Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan,  Azerbaijan and Moldova) issued a joint protocol following their working meeting in the  town of Tysovec, Ukraine, on August 6-7, 1999.

The joint protocol stresses common positions of the member-states on a  number of vital issues, such as support for fundamental norms and principles  of international law, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity,  independence and internationally – recognized borders of states. These  issues also include countering threats to peace and stability, finding peaceful  resolution to regional conflicts, arms control, integration into Euro-Atlantic  structures and security of the East-West transportation corridor (TRACECA).

During the meeting, the participants outlined specific steps to further  cooperation among the GUUAM member – states. They agreed to continue  consultation on establishing a joint peace keeping unit, to exchange  information on military and regional security issues, and adopted a calendar of  the upcoming events within the GUUAM Ministries of Defence cooperation  framework.

The meeting and Protocol follow the Joint Statement signed by the GUUAM Heads of States in Washington D.C. on April 24, 1999, during NATO's 50 Anniversary Summit.

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