Ministers from the European Union (EU) and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations reached consensus here on the second revision of the ACP-EU partnership agreement, the so-called Cotonou Agreement which was concluded in 2000.
The agreement, for a review every five years, constitutes the foundation for the special relationship between the EU and 78 ACP nations, aimed at reducing and eventually eradicating poverty as well as at sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy.
The second revision was intended to streamline the text, adapting it to changes in trade and aid policies that occurred in the last five years.
Spanish Secretary of State for Cooperation Soraya Rodriguez, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, expressed her "great satisfaction" with
the improvement of the partnership.
Rodriguez co-chaired the meeting on behalf of the 27-EU member, along with Paul Bunduku-Latha, Gabonese Deputy Minister for Economy, Trade, Industry and Tourism on behalf of the 78 ACP states.
As part of the review, provisions against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons were strengthened as were those against new security
threats, such as organized crime and trafficking of people, drugs and weapons.
The review also facilitates assistance to ACP nations for adapting to global warming and for integrating climate change into their development
strategies.
The revision reinforced dialogue in the area of migration, on issues like remittances and brain drain as well as on legal and illegal migration,
smuggling and trafficking of human beings, border management and readmission.