The meeting, chaired by the Ministry of Education (MoE), was attended by a delegation consisting of Jens-Petter (Ambassador and Head of Delegation), Bente Nilson (Head of Development Cooperation) and Teklu Tesfaye (Program Officer); Presidents of Hawassa and Mekelle Universities, Vice presidents of Mekelle University, and representatives (two) from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB). Both Hawassa and Mekelle Universities presented the 2008 annual progress report following which the Ambassador reflected on salient issues that arose in the course of implementing the program. Issues of particular importance that were discussed at length include roles and responsibilities of the partner institution and implementing institutions, south-south collaboration (linkages between Hawassa and Mekelle Universities), reporting style (the need to make it result oriented and gender sensitive), exit workshop (schedule (date and venue), content and responsibility) and the third phase of the cooperation (appraisal, appropriation document and contract agreement)). These issues were discussed thoroughly and intensely with an aim to significantly enhance and smoothen the implementation of the upcoming phase (third phase). The meeting ended with a lunch reception at the Ambassador’s residence.