The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States is greatly honoured to convey congratulations to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders as you celebrate the 50^th PIF Leader’s Summit in Tuvalu of the Blue Pacific.

It is with great admiration and praise that the ACP Secretariat and Member-States of the ACP Group continue to take note of the significant strides being made by PIF Leaders in advancing Pacific Regionalism with due regard to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030.

Video: https://youtu.be/zPor565FznM

https://youtu.be/hJX320tJTe0

Opening Statement by the ACP Secretary General His Excellency Dr Patrick Gomes, during the opening session of the 107th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers Meeting in Lomé, Togo, 29th May 2018.

https://youtu.be/RQSKxoKNWtQ

Excellences, Honorables invités, Mesdames et Messieurs

C’est pour moi un véritable honneur d’avoir l’occasion de prononcer l’allocution d’ouverture sur le thème de notre évènement de cet après-midi  à savoir « ELLE INSPIRE », au moment où nous rendons hommage aux femmes à l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la femme (qui sera célébrée le 8 mars ) et au rôle d’inspiration qu’elles jouent dans nos pays et au sein de la Diaspora ACP.

The Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
Honourable Dr. Mamphono Kakhetla, Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and President of the 102^nd Council Session,
Honourable Ministers,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

May I begin by expressing how deeply honoured I am to welcome you to the ACP House for the 102^nd Council Session. A special welcome to the Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, whose presence with us today signals the high esteem the Government and people of Fiji accords the ACP Group.

Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

[Protocols]

I wish to thank you for another opportunity to be with you for this series of your meetings. I count it an honour and privilege to interact with our elected representatives from across the length and breadth of the ACP Membership. 

Thank you for the opportunity to address you on this auspicious occasion – the celebration of international women’s day. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Secretariat for organising this event, in particular, the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Human Development, Mme. Michèle Dominique Raymond, who has taken the lead in organising this event for the past 4 years.