Frank Feighan opens EU-OACPS parliamentary assembly

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Frank Feighan TD, addressed the inaugural session of the European Union-Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (EU-OACPS) Joint Parliamentary Assembly at the European Parliament in Brussels, representing Ireland during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The assembly convened parliamentarians from across the European Union and the 79 member countries of the OACPS, a body founded under the Samoa Agreement to foster dialogue, cooperation, and parliamentary oversight of the EU-OACPS partnership.

In his speech, Minister Feighan reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to maintaining a robust and mutually beneficial alliance with African, Caribbean and Pacific nations amidst significant global transformations. He emphasised the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing accountability, democratic dialogue, and mutual understanding.

“Amidst increasing strains on multilateralism and challenges to international norms, the partnership between the EU and Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific illustrates how diverse regions and traditions can collaborate to develop common solutions,” Minister Feighan stated. He also outlined Ireland’s priorities during its EU Council Presidency, highlighting support for a rules-based international order, sustainable economic development, climate action, and fortified international partnerships.

The opening ceremony featured prominent political figures including Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament; José Ramos Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste; Andrew Michael Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Togo; Tiguist Fisseha, State Minister of Finance of Ethiopia representing the OACPS Presidency; alongside Francisco Assis and Thomas Tayebwa, Co-Presidents of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, and Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament.

The assembly is scheduled to continue throughout the week, offering parliamentarians a platform to exchange views on pressing global issues such as sustainable development, trade and investment, peace and security, migration, climate action, and international cooperation.