Handover of the Presidency of the OACPS Committee of Ambassadors from the Kingdom of Eswatini to the Solomon Islands

Brussels, 23 September 2025 – The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) marked the handover of the Presidency of its Committee of Ambassadors and Council of Ministers from the Kingdom of Eswatini to the Solomon Islands, in line with Article 20 of the Revised Georgetown Agreement, which provides for an equitable rotation of leadership of the OACPS among the six regions.

Over the past six months, under the stewardship of H.E. Mr. Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the outgoing Bureau has steered the Committee of Ambassadors with vision and resolve, focusing on key priorities including:

• Restoration of financial stability and credibility of the Organisation;
• Promotion of inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus-building;
• Support for the installation of the new leadership of the OACPS Secretariat; and
• Advancing implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement.

During its tenure, the Eswatini Presidency oversaw landmark achievements, notably the election of the new OACPS Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Moussa Saleh Batraki, adoption of the Secretary-General’s PACTE reform initiative,the nomination of the resource mobilisation champion, approval of the purchase of a new OACPS headquarters, and the official launch of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Organisation, culminating in preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in March 2026.

The Presidency also advanced the OACPS–EU Partnership by providing political guidance on the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, encouraging its ratification, and strengthening joint institutional frameworks. On the global stage, the Bureau amplified the voice of OACPS Member States in critical processes, including the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate change and the Financing for Development Conference (FfD4).

Taking over the Presidency, the Solomon Islands has pledged to build on these achievements while charting new priorities. Under the leadership of the incoming Chair, the Solomon Islands will focus on:

• Overseeing adoption of the 2026 OACPS Secretariat budget and the review of the OACPS Member States annual contribution mechanism ;
• Supporting preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled to held during the last week of March 2026;
• Advancing implementation of the Samoa Agreement, including the convening of joint OACPS–EU institutions;
• Overseeing the successful organisation of the 120th Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers; and
• Championing the ongoing OACPS reform process to strengthen governance, financial sustainability, and multilateral engagement.

In assuming the Presidency, the Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to promoting solidarity, advancing institutional reforms, and ensuring that the OACPS remains a credible, visible, and influential global actor, particularly in advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable members.

Secretary-General Moussa Batraki extends his appreciation to the outgoing Chair for his stewardship and dedication, with which the responsibilities of the office were carried. He further conveys his deep gratitude to the President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, Hon. Senator Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdown of Eswatini, for her outstanding visionary leadership and the way she steered the interests of the organisation during a critical juncture. Together their combined efforts have advanced the collective priorities of Member States and strengthened the credibility of the OACPS.

Secretary-General Moussa Batraki also expresses sincere thanks and profound appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III for assuming the role of Resource Mobilisation Champion, a vital role that will support the Organisation’s reform agenda and enhance its capacity to serve its Member States

In welcoming the Solomon Islands, the Secretary-General Moussa Batraki indicated that the Secretariat stands ready to support the incoming Presidency as it embarks on its mandate to further strengthen the unity, resilience, and renewal of the Organisation in a rapidly changing global context.