Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba has been elected as a Co-President of the Committee on political affairs in the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

The ACP Assembly is unique and the only institution of its kind in the world. Its objective is to bring together twenty-eight European Union Member States and 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries that are legally bound by the provisions of the Cotonou Agreement.

"The geopolitical importance of the ACP Assembly for the European Union and Malta is without equal and has never been more relevant. This unique structure facilitates collaboration with all those countries on problems such as the current migration crisis, the advancement of human rights, democracy, and the common values of humanity," commented MEP Agius Saliba shortly after his election.

"In my opinion, the migration crisis is not a European problem. It is a global phenomenon that needs a comprehensive approach bringing everyone on board in a spirit of shared responsibility. The joint Parliamentary Assembly provides the right forum to address this problem holistically together with all ACP countries. Cooperation is key if we are to advance and find a common solution." said MEP Alex Agius Saliba.

As a Co-President for the political Committee, he will be pushing for better accountability, transparency, and proper management of all the financial help and investments going from the EU to those countries. He will promote the advancement of better education and health, more access to public goods, more jobs, prosperity, and freedom in ACP countries.

"In February 2020, the Cotonou Agreement will expire, and a new relationship has to be designed. Now is the right moment to look at the achievements and shortcomings of the current agreement and to adopt a new approach.  We should negotiate better pro-poor development policies aimed at generating better life and more benefits for citizens in African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries," said MEP Agius Saliba.

As a Co-President, his first mission will be to chair the Committee on political affairs in the first ACPAssemblyafter the MEP elections that will take place on the 18th of November in Rwanda. During the Committee, Members will also hold the first exchange of views on the Report "Democracy and respect for constitutions in EU and ACP countries" for which MEP Alex Agius Saliba was elected as the S&D spokesperson and rapporteur.