The new Post Cotonou partnership agreement between the OACPS and the EU was inked during the 46th OACPS-EU Council of Ministers Session at Apia, Samoa. The Post Cotonou Partnership agreement has been agreed to be named as Samoa Agreement. Ethiopia was represented by H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene at the council session and during the signing ceremony.
The partnership will be led by the six principles enshrined in the agreement namely promoting democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance, paying particular attention to gender equality; building peace and security; fostering human and social development, and in particular to eradicate poverty and address inequalities, with special attention paid to women and girls; mobilise investment, support trade and foster private-sector development, with a view to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth and creating decent jobs for all; combat climate change, protect the environment and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources; as well as implement a comprehensive and balanced approach to migration, so as to reap the benefits of safe, orderly and regular migration and mobility, stem irregular migration while addressing its root causes, in full respect of international law and in accordance with the Parties’ respective competences.
Ethiopia has taken part on the council’s deliberations by, among others, sharing its views on how to make effective the long standing partnership and colaborate on issues of climate change towards COP 28, improve trade links and reform of Multilateral Development Banks.
The Samoa Agreement was under negotiation for more than two years as a succession to the Cotonou Agreememt that served the OACPS-EU partnership for the past 20 years.
The OACPS EU partnership spans more than 50 years since the signing of the Lome Convention that has established links between OACPS countries and the EU. Ethiopia is one of the founding members of the grouping.
