ACS Secretary General Luis Fernando Andrade Falla (right) and
Mr. Roy Setlhapelo, Chargé d’Affaires, South African High Commission,
Trinidad & Tobago at the ACS Secretariat in Port of Spain

Port of Spain (March 31, 2009) –Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Ambassador Luis Fernando Andrade Falla recently received a courtesy visit from Mr. Roy Setlhapelo, Chargé d’Affaires, South African High Commission, Trinidad & Tobago.

In this meeting, Mr. Setlhapelo expressed interest in the role of the ACS in the wider Caribbean and was informed by the ACS Secretary General of the work accomplished during the last year, and particular reference was made to the better coordination between the CARICOM and SICA Secretariats.  It was also an opportunity to present further information on the origins, objectives, projects and activities of the Association.

Mr Setlhapelo advised that his government was very interested in increasing their presence in the Caribbean region, by greater involvement in the process of consolidation of democratic institutions and regional cooperation. In the same way, the ACS represents an opportunity for South Africa to establish links with the Caribbean, Central and Latin America.

The meeting concluded positively with plans for further interraction between the ACS and other South African diplomats and government officials.