The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States Secretary General, Sir John Kaputin, successfully held discussions with the President of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, Mr Soumaila Cissé, on Friday (May 9th) at the ACP House.

At the meeting, Sir John explained to Mr Cissé and his delegation, the state of play of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) in West Africa and other ACP regions.

He told the UEMOA officials that besides the Caribbean Region, which initialed a full EPA; most of the regions have yet to do so – whilst some countries had entered into interim agreements with the EU.

Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Department of Political Affairs and Human Development Mr Andrew Bradley also updated the delegation on the political dialogue between the EU and UEMOA regarding Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo.

Mr Cissé said the political situations in the UEMOA states are looking positive, with Guinea-Bissau to hold elections this year.

Meanwhile, President Cissé said the meeting is important as it allows them to be briefed on important ACP matters directly from the Secretariat.

Both parties also discussed the participation of the UEMOA Parliament in the meetings of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA).

They also touched on UEMOA’s access to energy, water, infrastructural facilities and the Intra-ACP Fund.
Also present at the meeting from the Secretariat were senior officials and experts.
Before his departure, Mr Cissé signed the ACP Guest Book in a message of hope centered on the ACP-EU partnership.

He describes the partnership as the way forward for peace and development in the spirit of north – south partnership.

ENDS