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Welcome speech by Honorable Monyane Moleleki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho on behalf of the Council of Ministers during the opening session of the 84th ACP Council of Ministers 4 DECEMBER 2006 KHARTOUM, SUDAN First of all, I would like to express on behalf of all delegations our most sincere gratitude to the Authorities and people of the Republic of Sudan for all the efforts in the organization of this 5th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government, as well as the preceding meetings. You certainly have gone out of your way to make us feel welcome and to enjoy the hospitality in this part of the world. In a way, it is a novelty to have such an important meeting in a historic city as Khartoum and at the banks of the Great River Nile. If the Nile is the source of life that has sustained inhabitants for generations over many centuries, then perhaps we are at the appropriate place to have our leaders deal with issues that concerns the viability and future of the Group. Honorable Vice President We meet in Khartoum at an opportune moment when our family of States is facing challenges. In an ever-changing global environment, we always strive to find relevance in our efforts to meet the fundamental goals and objectives of the Group. Indeed, we have matured and gained a lot of experience in our 31 years of existence. That is why it is appropriate that in a few days time our Heads of State and Government are meeting to take stock of a number of important issues so that we continue to fortify ourselves in a competitive world. The ACP Group covers three far-flung regions of the world, 79 countries, and over 700 million people. Yet, if our three decades of existence is any indication, we draw our strength from our unity in spite of our great diversity. During the 83rd ACP Council of Ministers meeting in Port Moresby in May 2006, a number of important matters were discussed. Some of these matters are on our agenda again, signifying their importance and status as standing issues. One of these matters is the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). During the 12th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Meeting held in Barbados just two weeks ago, it was discussed, yet again, that all regions are behind schedule in terms of negotiations with the European Union. How do we move forward with this matter? Another agenda issue is the future of the ACP Group. One important factor in relation to this issue is not necessarily how we view ourselves as a Group on the ACP side. We have to be cognizant to the position that our partner, the European Union, takes in relation to our partnership with them. This is not necessarily a question of honoring a joint commitment presently spelt out under the Cotonou Agreement. Rather, it is one of heightening our sensitivity and understanding of the European Union own challenges in the changing global environment. So, while the Cotonou Partnership Agreement ends some 13 years from now, how do we see our ACP Group beyond the Cotonou Agreement? Ladies and gentlemen, these are not hypothetical matters. They are the very substance that our countries collectively rely on as we ponder the future of our respective populations in the years to come. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Committee of Ambassadors in Brussels for the vital role that this organ plays as the critical link between the heart of Europe and our capitals. Honorable Vice President Once more, I thank the Sudanese authority for their hospitality and I wish everyone fruitful meetings and a good stay. Thank you very much! |
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