Brussels, 12 September 2011: Twelve diplomats from the Republic of South Sudan were welcomed at the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group) House in Brussels last week.

This is the first delegation from South Sudan, soon to be the newest member of the ACP Group since the nation gained independence in July 2011.

The group, led by Director of Translation Mr Peter Amua Angara Dut, included representatives posted at the diplomatic headquarters in Juba, South Sudan, as well as in Europe, USA, and other parts of Africa.

ACP Acting Secretary General Mr Achilles Bassilekin III received the visitors briefly and encouraged them to continue calling on the ACP Office.

To familiarise the delegation with the work of the ACP Group and its partners, Chief of Cabinet Dr Obadiah Mailafia provided a briefing on the background of the ACP organisation, including its missions and goals. Policy and Programme Advisor at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office in Brussels, C. Nelima Okhoya spoke on the various functions of UNDP and areas of continued support in South Sudan. Finally, ACP’s Expert in Charge of Humanitarian Matters and Civil Society Dr Natalie Corrie-Kordas elaborated on various programmes supported by the ACP in the region, such as disaster management and electoral assistance.

The diplomats are taking part in the Clingendael Diplomatic Studies Programme at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations, which organized the visit.

For more information, contact Press Attaché Josephine Latu at +32-2-743-0617 or latu@acp.int