Minister of Foreign Relations Eduardo Latorre gave an update to the press on the African, Caribbean and Pacific Summit of Heads of State and Government that is scheduled for 25-26 November in Santo Domingo. The ACP country heads of state will meet to discuss their joint position when negotiating post-Lome IV relations with the European Union. They will also discuss a joint position as developing nations before developed nations at the World Trade Organization first round of negotiations that opens in Seattle, Washington on 29 November 1999. Minister of Foreign Relations Eduardo Latorre said this is the most important event ever held in the Dominican Republic. He called it the most important summit to take place in the Western Hemisphere and the greatest summit of the 20th century. Some 76 nations will be represented, including 71 members of the ACP group, and five observers. Most of these nations are expected to be represented by their heads of state. Minister Latorre explained that this event is a landmark in Dominican foreign policy. The country has gone from being an isolated state to a partner of the European Union. Today the DR is about to strengthen its relations with Africa and Pacific countries, previously practically non-existent. Latorre explained that for the first time the DR is developing relations with African countries. Latorre said that better relations with Africa will help us to better define our identity. Latorre mentioned how this meeting is important because Europe is the principal source of direct international cooperation. He says the DR has benefited from some US$400 million thanks to the Lome Convention programs. More so, he highlighted that Europe is a great market for Dominican products, as it is the second largest market in the world. President Leonel Fernández will preside the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of nations through August 16, 2000. The ACP group of nations has as custom to elect the head of state of the country that hosts its summit. After August, the next President of the DR will continue in the post. Minister Latorre also said that the Círculo de Montevideo, that gathers heads of state and former heads of state as well as heads of important international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund and the Interamerican Development Bank will be meeting in Santo Domingo 12-13 November. It is expected that Michael Camdessus and Enrique Iglesias, presidents of the IMF and IDB respectively will come for this meeting.
