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FSM and UNDP Signed Standard Basic Assistance Agreement

Palikir, Pohnpei (Dept. of Foreign Affairs): December 2, 2008 - The Federated States of Micronesia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA) following the 'Launching of the Joint-Presence Initiative' of the three United Nations agencies, namely the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Populations Fund, and the United Nations Children's Fund.

The signing was held at the Department of Foreign Affairs conference room. The Honorable Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Toily Kurbonov, Resident Representative a.i., signed the SBAA on behalf of the FSM and UNDP, respectively.

The SBAA is an umbrella agreement providing the basis of cooperation between FSM and UNDP. The signing occasion provides an opportunity for FSM and the three UN agencies to further strengthen their cooperation and both pledged to further collaborate in the future.

Present at the ceremony were officials from UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs.