Samoa will be hosting the Pacific ACP-European Union High-Level Political Dialogue on Post-Cotonou negotiations this week.  

To begin at the Taumeasina Island Resort on Tuesday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi is expected to make the welcoming remarks.

President of Nauru and Chair of Pacific ACP countries, Baron Divavesi Waqa is expected to make the opening remarks, with European Union Commissioner, Neven Mimica, and ACP Lead Negotiator Robert Dussey. 

The high level dialogue is part of the process of political consultations between the different ACP countries and the EU on the negotiations of a Post Cotonou Treaty. 

It looks at engaging the Pacific ACP countries with the EU on discussions leading up to concluding a new agreement between the two parties.

A spotlight initiative high-level event will also be held in the afternoon of the same day focusing on ending domestic violence against women in the Pacific. 

Commitments from the event will inform ongoing consultations for the development of a new Spotlight Initiative regional program for the Pacific.  

According to Loop PNG, Papua New Guinea’s Minister for National Planning Richard Maru will lead their high-level delegation to the dialogue. 

Other leaders and delegates from across the ACP region and representatives from the EU are expected to be present at the event.