Earlier today, Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa extended her congratulations to Honourable Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni on his appointment as the new Secretary-General of the ACP group at the Special ACP Council of Ministers held on 26 March 2013 in Brussels. Mr. Mumuni is the immediate- past Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, and will assume his new responsibilities on 1 April 2013.
 
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane observed that Mr. Mumuni takes over the reigns of the ACP at a critical time when the group is redefining its mandate and role in light of the momentous changes taking place in the global political and economic landscape, and with the imminent expiry of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA) in 2020. In this regard, the Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s support for intra-ACP processes currently underway to reposition the ACP as a dynamic and viable inter-continental grouping representing the common development aspirations of African, Caribbean and Pacific people’s.
 
At the same time, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane took the opportunity to convey South Africa’s gratitude and appreciation to the out-going Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas for steadfastly advancing and championing the collective trade and development interests of ACP countries. She wished Dr. Chambas well in his new role as the Special UN/AU Envoy for Darfur.
 
The Minister concluded by wishing the new Secretary-General, Mr. Mumuni well and assured him of South Africa’s support and cooperation in the execution of his duties.
 
Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.