The new agreement was signed on October 18th 2009 and shows the continued commitment to our development partnership, which is built on mutual accountability and common principles. Within this framework and based on mutual commitment, trust, respect and confidence, Norway will continue a frank and open dialogue on the future development of Mozambique and the implementation of the poverty reduction strategy.
Norway acknowledges that Mozambique has achieved important results through general budget support. For instance, more children attend school and more people have access to safe drinking water than a few years ago. Many challenges still remain and it is important that Mozambique continues and increases it's efforts to promote development in the country, in line with the international conventions that both Mozambique and Norway have ratified.
A common Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is in place to regulate the processes surrounding the general budget support. This MoU is an important aspect of our dialogue with Government. The dialogue will continue, therefore, on the principles guiding budget support as well as the annual allocations to be provided.
Based on the new agreement, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding, Norway and Mozambique have the formal framework to continue an open and constructive dialogue regarding the development of Mozambique.