Russian Cabinet to Sign Partnership Framework Agreement With UNDP

The Russian government has ratified a partnership framework agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), necessary as Russia has transitioned from a recipient to donor country in international development, the Cabinet said Tuesday in a statement.

MOSCOW, January 6 (Sputnik) – According to the statement, the agreement allows Russia to share its practical experience and expertise with partner countries in conjunction with the UNDP, particularly in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) area. Additionally, the establishment of a Russia-UNDP trust fund will cut costs and bureaucratic red tape in project coordination.

"The trust fund's board of governors will ensure the agreement's proper functioning in terms of project selection and monitoring, which will include representatives of the UNDP and Russian agencies," the message adds.

First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov is expected to sign the framework agreement on behalf of the Russian government.

An agreement regulating the main principles of the UNDP's assistance to Russia was concluded in 1993.