The government of Germany signed a technical cooperative agreement to provide support in environment, reproductive health and developmental programs. Ambassador Countess Eva Alexandra Kendeffy was the signatory for Germany and Foreign Relations Minister Frank Guerrero Prats for the Dominican Republic. The programs call for EUR 5.62 million in non-reimbursable assistance. The programs, which were requested in 2001, are to be implemented by the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) and its Dominican counterparts. Germany has been very active in supporting Dominican environmental issues. Guerrero Prats thanked the ambassador for her endeavors to make the donation a reality. Ambassador Kendeffy highlighted how the cooperation of the German government is primarily focused on the environment and natural resources, which has led to close relationship with local authorities in environment and reproductive health, and on supporting government decentralization and community empowerment programs, in which Germany has abundant experience.
Addressing German cooperation in general, the diplomat said that to date they have disbursed EUR 235 million, while the contribution of Germany to the European Development Fund averages 23%, or an additional EUR 53 million. ?I think this is evidence of the close ties between both countries,? she highlighted, as reported in the Listin Diario.
This donation marks the end of the Countess?s most successful term in the Dominican Republic. A farewell reception at the German Embassy is planned for 27 July.