ACP Press Release – 6 June 2011: The ACP Secretariat last week invited 10 ACP journalists to cover the 93rd Session of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Council of Ministers and the 36th Session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers.

The journalists represented the six regions of the ACP Group. Speaking to the journalists, Secretary-General Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas said it was the first time that the Secretariat had invited ACP journalists and called on them to support the efforts of the Secretariat to enhance its visibility.

He said the journalists were invited to cover the meetings and also to give them an opportunity to see how the ACP Group conducted its meetings.

Dr Chambas said that visibility remained a concern to the Group and he hoped that with the engagement of the journalists it would help to raise the profile of the organisation in the ACP countries.

Before leaving Brussels, the journalists agreed to set-up a network which is aimed at promoting the ACP Group in the various media organisations they represent. They also concurred to publicise ACP press releases within their respective countries. Besides briefings and meetings in the ACP Secretariat, the journalists were able to have a briefing with the EU Commission and the EU Presidency.

The journalists’ trip to Brussels was organised by the Office of the Director of Cabinet in the General Secretariat’s Office.