BRUSSELS – The Kingdom of Eswatini officially handed over the chairmanship of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to the Solomon Islands during a ceremony held at the Bureau of the Council of Ministers – Bureau du Conseil des Ministres.
The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the Organisation, with Eswatini’s Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Pholile Shakantu passing the baton to Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands. Additionally, the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ambassadors transitioned from Ambassador H.E. Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu to Ambassador H.E. Moses Kouni Mose.
In her remarks during the Bureau of the Council of Ministers, Eswatini Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Pholile Shakantu said “today, we congratulate the Pacific Region under the leadership of Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands who is the President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, and Ambassador H.E. Moses Kouni Mose, Chair of the Committee of Ambassadors, for the steady stewardship they have already demonstrated since assuming office.
Their early months in the Presidency have been marked by continuity of vision: a clear commitment to the financial sustainability of our Organisation, the strengthening of partnerships, and the advancement of preparations for the 11th Summit and its Resource Mobilisation Roundtable.
These priorities build seamlessly upon the trajectory set during Eswatini’s tenure, ensuring institutional coherence and strategic consistency. We are deeply appreciative of their proactive engagement and fully confident in their continued ability to guide the Organisation through this pivotal phase.”
The Solomon Islands are set to lead the OACPS during crucial upcoming events, including the 11th Summit and Resource Mobilisation Roundtable. With a focus on reinforcing the Organisation’s financial health and implementation of the Samoa Agreement, their stewardship promises to foster unity and collaboration.
The Kingdom of Eswatini will continue to hold the position of Champion for Resource Mobilization under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III.
This leadership change signifies a new chapter for the OACPS under the stewardship of the Solomon Islands. Eswatini is confident that their leadership will continue to enhance cooperation and drive forward the Organisation’s priorities, including financial sustainability and partnership development among member states.
