15 Sep 2013

The Members of Parliament for South East South and Kgatleng West, Mr Odirile Motlhale and Mr Gilbert Mangole are in Brussels, Belgium, to attend the 33rd session of ACP Parliamentary Assembly and inter-sessional meetings of the ACP-EU joint Parliamentary Assembly.

A press release from the National Assembly says the meeting is expected to discuss a number of issues amongst them environmental impacts of pastoralism on ACP countries, respect for rule of law and the rule of an impartial and independent judiciary as well as the political situation in ACP and EU member states.

Also on the discussions is the state of play of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) process and the way forward.

The release further states that the meeting is also expected to discuss mining for oil and minerals on the seabed in the context of sustainable development, mid- term reviews of the 10th Economic Development Finance (EDF) , regional strategy papers and indicative programme for the period 2008-2013 and programme of the 11th EDF, amongst other topics.

The ACP is composed of a standing committee on social affairs and the environment, standing committee on economic development, finance and trade and standing committee on political affairs.

Botswana is a member of the ACP-EU standing committee on social affairs and environment.

The two MP’s are expected back home on September 22. Ends