The United Nations, yesterday, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs to support the ministry in executing its mandate. The three-year agreement stipulates areas of cooperation between the two parties; notably, facilitating reduction in disaster risks and refugee repatriation."The UN has been a strong partner since the establishment of this ministry, the signing of this MoU is a seal to the already existing relations,” said Gen. Marcel Gatsinzi, the Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs.Observing that Rwanda is prone to natural hazards, the minister said the assistance will assist greatly in risk management. "We are maximizing all options to ensure that we reduce the risks on disasters,” Gen. Gatsinzi said.  The UN Resident Coordinator, Aurelien Agbenonci, said that the UN found it important to formalise the working relations with the ministry by establishing a cooperative framework. "We will provide our support in carrying out comprehensive studies on disaster management, capacity development and mobilisation of resources, among others,” he said.