BRUSSELS – On 9 December 2008, the Minister of Development Cooperation of Belgium, Mr. Charles Michel, signed an agreement with the International Labour Office (ILO) for a new grant of €6 million and €2.4 respectively to extend social security to vulnerable populations and promote social dialogue in French-speaking Africa.

Through its Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs – Directorate – General for Development Cooperation (DGCD), the government of Belgium will continue promoting two major ILO technical cooperation programmes, including the third phases of the STEP (Stratégies et techniques de lutte contre la pauvreté) and PRODIAF (Programme de promotion du dialogue social en Afrique francophone) programmes from 2009 to 2012.

For more information, contact Donor Relations, Department of Partnerships and Development Cooperation, Secretariat +4122/799-7309, Fax: +4122/799-6872, E-mail: pardev@ilo.org.