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Tongan Minister 'Akolo new Pacific ACP Lead Spokesperson
07 February 2011
Tongan Minister 'Akolo new Pacific ACP Lead Spokesperson
Monday, 7th February 2011
Tonga’s Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries, Honourable Lisiate 'Aloveita 'Akolo is Lead Spokesperson for Pacific ACP States’ negotiations with the European Union (EU) on a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Minister ‘Akolo was welcomed into his new position by Pacific ACP Ministers at the conclusion of their meeting held last week in Apia, Samoa.
The Pacific ACP Lead Spokesperson plays a key role in communicating the region’s interests to the EU on EPA negotiations and reporting back to PACP Ministers accordingly.
“I wish to extend sincere congratulations to Minister ‘Akolo for being elected into this important position,” said the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.
“The path ahead will be trying, and we, at the Secretariat, pledge our full commitment and best endeavours to support the Pacific ACP Lead Spokesperson to advance the region’s critical negotiations with the European Union.”
Minister ‘Akolo replaces Samoa’s
Associate Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour,
Honourable Hans Joachim Keil, as Pacific ACP Lead
Spokesperson.
Minister Keil took the opportunity to
announce to Pacific ACP Ministers his retirement from
politics, and consequent relinquishment of his position as
Pacific ACP Lead Spokesperson.
“I extend to Minister Keil much admiration and appreciation for providing strong and singular leadership during his time as Lead Spokesperson, and allowing the Secretariat to stand by his side,” said Mr Slade. “He goes with our best wishes.”
Alternate Spokespersons elected were Nauru’s Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Honourable Dr Kieren Keke, and Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Commerce & Tourism, Honourable Ham Lini.
The Pacific ACP Ministers Meeting concluded last Friday following deliberations in key regional trade activities, including advancing the region’s negotiations with the EU on a comprehensive EPA.
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