The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States is greatly honoured to convey congratulations to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders as you celebrate the 50th PIF Leader’s Summit in Tuvalu of the Blue Pacific.

It is with great admiration and praise that the ACP Secretariat and Member-States of the ACP Group continue to take note of the significant strides being made by PIF Leaders in advancing Pacific Regionalism with due regard to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030.

We are particularly appreciative of the strength of unity and solidarity constantly displayed by Pacific Leaders, the Forum Secretariat and Pacific Regional Organisations. This is also shared by Civil Society and private sector in the process of negotiating a successor agreement to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement of the ACP States and European Union post February 2020.

Your earnest determination to ensure that the new Agreement genuinely addresses, in a satisfactory and mutually beneficial manner, the interest of the peoples of the Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean is truly inspiring.

Your Secretariat in Brussels looks forward to continuing close collaboration with all stakeholders of the large Ocean States in the Pacific and offers our best wishes for productive and meaningful outcomes of this Golden Jubilee celebration of the 50th PIF Leaders Summit in beautiful Tuvalu.

Patrick I. Gomes

Secretary-General