Mr. President,

The ACP Council of Ministers is truly pleased and immensely honoured by your decision to call on its 85^th session, albeit your schedule which we know to be extremely busy.

Your visit comes at an important turning point in the history of our Group when we are called upon, more than ever, to show our solidarity and unity and to strengthen intra-ACP dialogue which today has become a distinguishing feature worthy of commendation.

Intra-ACP dialogue is important because it enables our Group to deal, as effectively as possible, with the root causes of the conflicts and instability existing in the ACP States by, among other things, conducting fact-finding and observer missions. While constituting a concrete expression of intra-ACP solidarity, these missions contribute to fostering a better understanding between the ACP and the EU.

That is why, Mr. President, we have listened with very keen attention to your message which is so full of hope and political commitment that it will surely inspire the Council of Ministers in its vigilant defence of the interests of the ACP countries, regions and the Group as a whole.

On behalf of my colleagues, I wish you every success in the accomplishment of this tremendous task entrusted to you by the African Heads of State in eloquent testimony to the progress made by your country on the road to development.

The ACP Council of Ministers would like to assure you of the ACP Group’s willingness to work hand-in-hand with you to support your tireless efforts to wage an effective campaign against poverty and to promote the consolidation of democracy, the Rule of Law and friendship among ACP peoples to forge a better world.

Thank you.