Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák signed a memorandum of understanding with a platform of non-government organisations (NGOs) on Tuesday, May 4, and used the occasion to stress what he called NGOs’ important role in the provision of development aid.
He stressed that the ministry is ready to help NGOs to the maximum extent, expecting a partnership and open dialogue. According to Lajčák, the memorandum will help to direct development aid in a more appropriate way.
"We view the memorandum as [being] between two autonomous partners, who are pursuing a common aim, which is a better development policy that effectively helps people in developing countries and reacts to global challenges at the same time," said Nora Beňáková, the chair of the platform of non-governmental organisations, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
Slovakia sharply reduced its official development aid last year. It provided €54 million, €11.4 million less than in 2008. The aid budget will be even lower this year, at €50.8 million.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
