Kurdish officials secure aid grants

ERBIL, Iraq, April 24 (UPI) -- Kurdish officials closed a meeting with U.N. officials regarding cost-sharing initiatives that allow the region to move forward on reconstruction issues.

Kurdish officials along with delegates from several other countries convened in Erbil to adopt a "collaborative and cost-sharing initiative" with the U.N. Development Program, The Kurdish Globe said Wednesday.

Paulo Lembo, the UNDP director for Iraq, said U.N. and Kurdish officials "are acting in a close and open partnership to achieve development" that will serve as a "model" for Iraq.

Members of the delegation addressed rebuilding the infrastructure in the region to improve the availability of electricity and clean drinking water.

Japanese officials offered several grants to boost the health sector and general infrastructure.

In addition, South Korean officials pledged $100 million in aid over the next four years.