In His speech, The NELCOM Member from Rwanda, who was elected to take the chairmanship in the same meeting, appreciated the commendable leadership for the outgoing chair and thanked NELCOM Members for electing Rwanda as NELCOM chair and promised to deliver to their expectations. He also thanked NELSAP for pioneering regional interventions. He was hapy to note the ongoing process for multipurpose projects, Interconnections. He hoped for high expectations from the ongoing watershed management. Food, energy and water security are amidst us and constrains us from having the expected gains. He underscored the challenges of poverty in the NEL region, and therefore need to move into concrete actions. There is need to enhance synergies with other regional initiatives. He underscored the full commitment of Government of Rwanda to the NELSAP processes. He also thanked the Development Partners for the support and wished for fruitful deliberations.
During the meeting, Ministers discussed and noted differents progress made by NELSAP. And also deliberated on matters that were presented by NELTAC Chair as a result of their meeting that was held two days before.
The Strategic Plan and financial sustainability, the legal status of NELSAP were issues that were discussed among others.
During the same meeting, Ethiopia's Minister who so far was participating as observer, requested others member to consider his country for full membership and the request was approved unanimously and Ethiopia pledged to meet all obligations related.
At the end of the meeting , a statement by the council of Ministers was red by the NELCOM Chair in which the following were highlighted : the NELSAP strategic plan which focus on increasing country and regional impact through investments; the progress made in discussions to benefit from the World Bank/CIWA Funds; The information about the planned investment conference to raise financing in june 2012; the Admission of Ethiopia as full member.
Also as a result of the side meeting, the statement pointed out of way forward concerning the Cooperation Agreement ; in which instructions was given to the chairman to finilize discussions with the remaining 3 countries to sign within next 60 days.