Paramaribo, Suriname, 22 November 2012/ ACP: The Secretary General for the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group H.E Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas was decorated Commander of the Order of the Palm by the President of Suriname on Thursday, in a special ceremony at the Royal Torarica Hotel.

The honour is reserved for special merits in the civilian or military area.

H.E President Desiré Bourtese underlined Dr Chambas’ work in fostering South-South cooperation and his work for ACP countries as head of the Group's General Secretariat.

The President also stressed his appreciation for ACP’s staunch solidarity in “taking a stand against unjust decisions” during Suriname’s bid to host the ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly, ongoing this week in Paramaribo.

The Secretary General said he was humbled, and accepted the award on behalf of the ACP Secretariat, the members of the ACP Group and the ACP Parliamentary Assembly.

He was among 20 recipients decorated by the President that day.

(Photo: ACP Secretary General Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas is decorated Commander of the Order of the Palm by H.E President Desire D. Bourtese of Suriname)

– ACP Press