Post-2015 focus to boost South-South & triangular links, build on Group’s development finance & programming know-how

The ACP Council of Ministers at its 100^th Session held at ACP House, in Brussels, Belgium from 10^th to 12^th December 2014;

Expressing its Deep Concern on the humanitarian impact of the eruption of the volcano of Fogo in Cabo Verde, which started in the morning of 23 November 2014 and affecting the entire population of Chã das Caldeiras and the surrounding areas, totalling nearly 2000 people and still spewing lava to this day;

Brussels, 12^th December 2014/ ACP: The Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group met for its 100^th sitting from 9 – 12 December in Brussels, Belgium. Amongst several significant decisions taken, the Council appointed a new Secretary General to head the organisation from 2015-2020.

Photo gallery: ACP Ministerial Committee on Development Finance

Photo gallery: Plenary sessions of the 100th session of the ACP Council of Ministers

Statements

Brussels, 10 December 2014/ ACP: Ambassador Dr. Patrick I. Gomes of Guyana has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States.

Dr. Gomes’ appointment took place today during the 100^th session of the ACP Council of Ministers in Brussels, making him the tenth Secretary General since the inception of the organisation in 1975.

[Protocols]

Permit me to begin by expressing how deeply honoured I am for the privilege of addressing this noble and august 100^th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers. I warmly welcome you all to ACP House, which is, indeed, your House!

Let me also extend a warm hand of welcome to our Special Guest, H. E. Mr. Li Yong, Director-General of UNIDO who has graciously agreed to address Council on the topic Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development.

Brussels, 9 December 2014/ ACP: Representatives of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of countries and the European Union have expressed their intent to work closely together in the coming year, particularly in contributing to the elaboration of the post-2015 global development agenda while working on a revamped partnership framework for the two groups for the future.