Kampala — The government of Finland has been formally admitted to the Lake Victoria Basin partnership with a commitment of Shs5.7 billion. Antti Putkonen, the second secretary at the Embassy of Finland in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania last week presented the Instrument of Accession to the partnership to Ms Beatrice Kiraso, the EAC deputy secretary general-political federation, who represented Amb. Juma Mwapachu, the EAC sectary general.

"We are delighted that our application to join the partnership was considered and accepted in the 14th Consultative Committee." A letter from the Finish ministry for Foreign Affairs accompanying the Instrument of Accession read in part. "Finland looks forward to an enhanced development cooperation with the EAC and the Lake Victoria Basin commission."

By acceding to the partnership, Finland joins other governments like France, Norway and Sweden, the World Bank and the East African Development Bank in pledging its support for the sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin.

The ceremony that took place at the EAC secretariat headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania was also attended by Dr James Njagu, the EAC principal resource mobilisation officer.