June 11, 2019 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti): The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, today received accreditation letters from the Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia, H.E. Karin Poulsen, in his office at the Secretariat of the regional organisation.

Among other things, the Executive Secretary noted the collegial working relations IGAD has had with Denmark. The Executive Secretary highlighted the support provided by Denmark to IGAD programmes and projects. He touched on the benefits reaped by communities from a Danish grant to IGAD geared towards food security through support to Civil Society Organisations in rural areas and to applied research institutions. He also draw the Ambassador’s attention to the IGAD Sheikh Technical Veterinary School (ISTVS) in Somaliland and how positively it has impacted livestock development for the sub region.

He recalled a mission to the European Nordic countries, Denmark included, a few years ago he and his team undertook as a means to promote IGAD’s work and build bridges to Ministries of Foreign Affairs and development agencies. He highlighted how useful and fruitful that mission was.

Amb. Poulsen thanked the Executive secretary for the warm welcome and assured him that Denmark will “remain close to IGAD”. She said her belief and that of her country in the benefits of regional integration. She reiterated strong support to the peace and security sector and expressed interest in knowing more about migration programmes and projects within IGAD.

The Executive Secretary took Amb. Poulsen to the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CEPCVE) for a tour of the premises and an overview of the programme. After which, Amb. Poulsen held a meeting with IGAD staff members in charge of the Migration programme led by the Director of Health and Social Development, Ms Fathia A. Alwan.

On June 10, the Executive Secretary received accreditation letters from the Ambassador of Turkey to Djibouti, H.E. Amb Salim Levent Sahinkaya.

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