Preparations For ACP Underway With Informal Bilateral Talks

Preparations for the 3rd ACP Heads of State and Government meeting at Sheraton Denarau has been a hive of activity today with officials preparing for the long week meet.

Informal bilateral talks between the delegates got underway this morning between the Cuban delegation and the Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s office, Marieta Rigamoto.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Kaliopate Tavola also met with the Kenyan delegation on informal bilateral talks.

The Minister for Youth, Employment Opportunities and Sports, Isireli Leweniqila will later this afternoon, meet with officials from Gabon to talk on more bilateral arrangements.

ACP officials have also been setting up sheds on the Pro-Shop Lawn to prepare for the traditional Fijian ceremonies that will take place tomorrow (17/07/02).

Motorcades escorting delegates from the various ACP countries have been going in and out of Sheraton as delegates await the meeting to start proper.

Members of the international and local media too have also started using the Media Centre and its facilities containing computers, faxes, internet and telephones.

A highlight of tomorrow’s programme will be a dinner that will be hosted by the Prime Minister and Minister of Fijian Affairs, Laisenia Qarase at the Mocambo Hotel Grounds followed by cultural items that will be performed by students of Nadi Sangam Primary and Secondary school, Jasper High School and the Kadavu Choir.

For Thursday (17/07/02), Her Excellency the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Milagross Ortiz Bosch will be addressing the delegates as representative of the 2nd Summit.

This will be followed by addresses from the Secretary-General of the ACP, Jean Robert Goulongana and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Laisenia Qarase.

The speeches will be followed by meetings between the delegates that will go on until Friday, where a declaration will be adopted and a venue and date of the 4th Summit will be decided upon.