An opportunity to integrate issues the Pacific region is facing in a new partnership agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States with the European Union (EU) beyond 2020 (post Cotonou Agreement), was one of the key focuses at a Pacific Forum Secretariat meeting on 8 September 2016 in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

The Cotonou Agreement is the current EU-ACP Partnership Agreement signed on 23 June 2000 in Cotonou, Benin, which expires on 29 February 2020. It covers many policy areas under the three pillars of political dimension, economic and trade cooperation, and development cooperation which is attached to the European Development Fund (EDF).

Dame Meg Taylor, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, said the interests of Pacific Members must be at the heart of discussions when looking at how they could influence an effective future engagement through the ACP with the EU.

“In moving forward, our voice in the wider ACP grouping as in other larger associations is stronger when we are able to organise effectively as a collective.”

“The ACP region is at a transformative juncture. As members of this 79 State Grouping, the 15 Pacific ACP States have a valuable opportunity to be part of this transformation. It is vital that we are well positioned in the future construct of the wider ACP collect,” she said.

The outcome of the meeting confirms the Forum Secretariat will play an important role in supporting Pacific ACP (PACP) States in discussions with the EU regarding the new agreement, as well as setting the agenda for a potential Pacific – EU Leaders Summit 2017 with the PACP States and the European Commission.

The Secretariat will also assess the implications of the BREXIT to PACP States.

The Cotonou Agreement is the EU’s most comprehensive partnership agreement to oversee its relationship with 79 developing countries in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific. This includes 15 countries in the Pacific.