Today sees the start, in Brussels, of the 32nd meeting between the Council of the European Union and countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Region (ACP countries). The meeting will be chaired jointly by the German Development Minister, Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mohlabi K. Tsekoa.
The meeting will focus on the ongoing negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and the ACP countries. The most important aspect of these talks is that the agreements should deliver development benefits. The Economic Partnership Agreements are intended as an instrument for poverty reduction and sustainable economic development. The ACP-EU Council of Ministers will take stock of progress made so far on the basis of a joint report.
Other items on the agenda will be cooperation between the EU and the ACP countries in the field of trade.
The outcome of the talks on Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Region (ACP countries) will be presented on Friday, 25 May, at 5.00 p.m. at a press conference in Brussels.
