BY ALICE T CAMPBELL
Solomon Islands under the leadership of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka has come to the end of its tenure as President of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), following a period marked by significant institutional, financial, and strategic engagement.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, (MFAET) yesterday, said a handover ceremony of the presidency took place through a virtual meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Reflecting on the tenure, Agovaka said that the Presidency was guided by “a shared commitment to restoring predictability, strengthening governance, and ensuring that the OACPS remains a credible and effective platform for collective action.”
The statement also said that during Solomon Islands Presidency, the council advanced on key priorities that aim to strengthen the organisation’s institutional and financial foundations, including the adoption of the 2026 OACPS Secretariat Budget—the first such budget adopted in several years.
Progress was also achieved on governance reforms, internal audit arrangements, and the successful transition to the new OACPS Headquarters.
On the political and strategic front, the Presidency supported preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, promoted inclusive engagement among member states, and contributed to effective implementation of the Samoa Agreement, including the establishment of procedures for joint institutions and partnership dialogue.
The successful convening of the 120th Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers further reflected the Organisation’s commitment to consensus-building and collective decision-making.
Agovaka formally handed over the Presidency to Honourable Seedy K. M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia during the virtual meeting.
The statement said Solomon Islands reaffirms its continued commitment to the principles, objectives, and unity of the OACPS.
Photo credit: MFAET
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