June 25, 2009 – Norway and IGAD signed a financing agreement extending Norwegian support to ICPAT that commenced in 2007.  The Norwegian commitment of NOK 2 million (approximately USD 300,000) is expected to cover the year starting July 1, 2009 and end on June 30, 2010.

The agreement was signed by Engineer Mahboub Maalim, the Executive Secretary of IGAD and Ambassador Jens-Petter Kjemprud of Norway in Ethiopia.

This is the second time Norway has provided support to ICPAT.  It made an initial contribution of USD 250,000 in 2007. 

 
Norway is one of the key contributors to programs of IGAD.  In addition to supporting other IGAD initiatives Norway has joined Canada, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden in providing vital financial support for ICPAT.  The UK has been supporting the ICPAT training program and the US has recently earmarked funds for the use of the program. (ICPAT News)