Calls for a stronger intra- African, Caribbean and Pacific cooperation as summit kicks off

The 9th African, Caribbean and Pacific summit, titled "A Transformed ACP Committed to Multilateralism", was held on Dec 9 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

Heads of state and government from at least 10 countries looked into ways of reducing, preventing and overcoming terrorism and insecurity to enhance development while also taking into consideration socioeconomic and cultural issues.

While giving the keynote address at the summit, Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta said there is a need for stronger intra-ACP cooperation and a new sense of unity for ACP Group.

"I urge this ACP fraternity to use this gathering to share successful experiences and strategies that can be adopted by other member states as we strive to improve the lives of our people," Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta took over as president of the Summit of the ACP group of states from Papua New Guinea, which hosted the 8th ACP Summit in 2016. ACP Summits take place on average every three years in an ACP member state.

The summit gives ACP leaders from the 79-member ACP Group an opportunity to review the major developments of interest and concern to its members on the international scene in general, and ACP states in particular.

The calls for stronger cooperation among member states did not end with Kenyatta's keynote address, as exhibitors at the summit echoed the need for stronger cooperation if businessmen from ACP member countries are to reap its benefits.

Speaking at his exhibition stall on the sidelines of the summit, Komi Agbokou from the West African country of Togo said there is need for the ACP group to formulate policies that will make it easier for businessmen to create networks and collaborate in various areas.