In my capacity as CBFP Facilitator of the Kingdom of Belgium, I am delighted to write to you as the year closes and mid-way into my term of office. 

Throughout this year 2018, I have appreciated your rich and diverse contributions that have enhanced our shared Partnership. Together, we have made further strides as several new members have joined us, bringing the number of CBFP members to 113. On the other hand, we have acquired a "Brussels Declaration" which was adopted during the 18th Meeting of CBFP Parties, and comes to crown all the Belgian CBFP Facilitation’s efforts to foster dialogue and drive action towards stronger and more adequate political leadership of the Partnership, thereby ensuring better ownership of guidelines discussed within the CBFP and consolidating its impacts on the ground, notably through the relevant regional institutions (COMIFAC and ECCAS), member countries as well as all the CBFP parties. 

Thus, in the new year 2019, I look forward to continue working closely with you and hereby seize this opportunity to wish you happiness, health, success, prosperity in 2019 and excellent end of year holidays and a Happy New Year 2019.! 

François-Xavier de Donnea

Minister of State

Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) Facilitator of the Kingdom of Belgium