The 120th Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) has successfully concluded in Brussels, emphasizing critical themes of reform, financial sustainability, and the implementation of the Samoa Agreement. The three-day conference was led by Peter Shanel Agovaka, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands, who served as President-in-Office of the OACPS Council of Ministers.
Traditionally focused on administrative and budgetary matters, this session took a broader strategic approach, addressing essential issues such as institutional reform, resource mobilization, and the preparations for the upcoming 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
OACPS Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki opened the session by highlighting that the organization is at a pivotal moment, influenced by ongoing reforms and global challenges. He underscored the importance of implementing reforms and operationalizing the Samoa Agreement to strengthen the organization’s financial and administrative foundations, thereby ensuring its credibility and long-term sustainability.
Minister Agovaka identified the Malabo Summit as a crucial juncture for both the organization and the celebration of its 50th anniversary. He emphasized the need for concrete solutions, realistic commitments, and clear timelines that would facilitate a renewed OACPS vision.
The ministers reaffirmed the urgent need to fully operationalize the Samoa Agreement, which serves as the legal and political foundation of the OACPS-EU partnership. They also called for the swift finalization of the Rules of Procedure for the OACPS-EU Joint Council, welcoming progress made on the EU side and urging the early convening of this council.
In a significant move, the Council adopted the OACPS Secretariat’s budget for the 2026 financial year, representing a strong political statement of member commitment to the organization. The ministers acknowledged advancements in resource mobilization, particularly highlighting efforts led by King Mswati III of Eswatini, the OACPS Champion for Resource Mobilisation, calling for diversification of partnerships beyond traditional supporters.
With a strong focus on achieving practical outcomes, the Council’s preparations for the Malabo Summit indicated a commitment to endorse effective solutions and clear timelines for the enhancement of the organization. Ministers also engaged with key strategic partners, including senior representatives from the United Nations, Indonesia, and Belgium, while visiting the new OACPS headquarters in Brussels. Agovaka praised the rapid acquisition of the new premises and encouraged member states to support its development into a center of excellence.
As the session concluded, the Council underscored that the renewal of the OACPS is essential and called upon member states to uphold their commitments concerning the ratification and implementation of the Samoa Agreement, financial sustainability, and political support for the reform agenda. The decisions finalized during this session include the adoption of the 2026 Secretariat budget, preparations for the 11th Summit, recruitment of an internal auditor, and engagement with strategic development partners, creating a hopeful outlook for the future of the organization.
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