STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY–GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES TO CELEBRATE EUROPE DAY

Brussels, 9 May 2021/OACPS: On the occasion of the annual celebration of Europe Day, May 9, on behalf of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, underlines that this important event marks the day of the birth of a united, stable and peaceful Europe.

It welcomes the steps taken by member states since the 1950s in their efforts to create a united, integrated and prosperous Europe, based on fundamental values such as solidarity, respect for human rights and democratic principles.

Over seven decades, the European Union (EU) has become a haven of peace and its contribution to global security is such that it has become a key player in global governance to confront societal challenges. At the same time, the EU and its Member States have developed a vast network of partnerships, including with the Members of the OACPS.

The Secretary-General emphasizes that the COVID-19 pandemic, whose social and economic consequences go beyond national frameworks, has demonstrated the importance of international solidarity and the value of the multilateral approach to address global challenges. In this regard, he particularly salutes the leadership of the EU, through Team Europe, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledges the well-coordinated EU response through the COVAX initiative aimed at bridging the gap and allowing many members of the OACPS to have rapid access to vaccines.

In line with this year’s interinstitutional theme of “togetherness” and in keeping with the new post-Cotonou OACPS-EU Partnership Agreement, Secretary-General Chikoti reiterates the solidarity of the OACPS with its historic partner in this period of uncertainty, and reaffirms its commitment to advance the ideals of solidarity, peace and sustainable and inclusive development.