Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka inaugurated the 120th OACPS Council session in Brussels on December 12, serving as President-in-Office. In his address to representatives from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, he expressed gratitude towards OACPS Secretary-General Moussa Batraki and the Secretariat for spearheading reforms amid ongoing institutional transitions. Agovaka also acknowledged the Kingdom of Eswatini for its leadership during the 119th Session and for providing a reform roadmap for the current presidency.
Minister Agovaka emphasized the critical moment the OACPS faces, stating, “This is not business as usual. The choices we make at this Session will shape the Organisation we present to our Leaders at the 11th OACPS Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in March 2026 and the legacy we leave to the next generation.” He outlined key reforms that have already been agreed upon, including a streamlined senior management structure and measures for budgetary stabilization. Additionally, he noted the decision to relocate from the old ACP House to a more modern Secretariat in Brussels.
Minister Agovaka welcomed Equatorial Guinea’s offer to host the upcoming summit and urged Member States to expedite the ratification of the Samoa Agreement and finalize the Rules of Procedure for OACPS-EU joint institutions. He called for unity, solidarity, and shared responsibility among Member States, particularly regarding timely payments of contributions, support for reforms, and fair leadership decisions. “We will either reform together, or we will decline separately,” he stressed.
As a demonstration of commitment, Agovaka confirmed that Solomon Islands has ratified the Samoa Agreement and contributed to the budgets for 2026 and 2027. He encouraged all Member States to act responsibly according to their capacities. Agovaka pressed for actionable reforms that would restore the Organisation’s credibility, emphasizing that the renewal of the OACPS has transitioned from aspiration to obligation. His closing remarks underscored that the Organisation’s credibility would be evaluated by the discipline with which it implements decisions, not merely by the quality of its debates.
During the three-day meeting, Ministers came together to assess progress and outline a path forward for the Organisation’s renewal agenda. Key directives from the session included expediting the ratification and implementation of the Samoa Agreement, enhancing financial sustainability, affirming political support for the reform agenda, and advancing preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit. Minister Agovaka urged Member States to translate the unity displayed during discussions into concerted action, ensuring coordinated positions and continued political support.
The Solomon Islands reiterated its commitment to collaboration with the OACPS Secretary-General, the Committee of Ambassadors, and all Member States to diligently implement the outcomes of this important Council session. The dedicated efforts towards reforms and cooperation signal a hopeful future for the OACPS, as it endeavors to solidify its role and effectiveness on the global stage.
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