Brussels, 6 December 2013: It was with profound sadness that H. E. Dr. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai SAILELE MALIELEGAOI, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa and President of the Council of the Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, and H. E. Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Secretary-General of the ACP Group learnt of the passing of Mr. Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa, on Thursday 5^th December 2013.

The President of the ACP Council and the ACP Secretary-General pay tribute to the memory of Mr. Mandela and present their sincere condolences to the family of this illustrious statesman and to the Government and people of South Africa. The passing of Madiba, who is both a symbol of the struggle against racism, oppression and intolerance and an icon of forgiveness and reconciliation in South Africa, is an inestimable loss, not only to his country, but to the world at large.

The depth of spirit and unshakeable courage of Nelson Mandela have been a source of inspiration for all who are fighting for freedom, equality and justice throughout the world. It is the sincere hope of the President of the ACP Council and the Secretary-General of the ACP Group that Mr. Mandela’s legacy will be utilised every day to effectively actualise the ideals of democracy, justice and brotherhood in South Africa, within the ACP Group and across the entire world.