Brussels, 26/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Ahead of the third EU-Africa Summit which opens in Tripoli on Monday, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy sent an upbeat message on the future of prosperous and stable Africa, and on strengthening the unique links between the two closest continents in both historic and geographic terms. He said:
“We in Europe have a particularly close and special relationship with our African neighbours. Our partnership is one of the most enduring relationships in the world and it is the only strategic partnership that links two continents. Our African partners are on the threshold of a new era, with many African states now celebrating half a century of independence and many experiencing new rates of growth and development. … Boosting investment, economic growth and job creation is more important than ever for our people on our two continents. For the first time, in our relations with Africa, we will be looking at how we can strengthen the role of the private sector and create a more business-friendly environment. 2010 is the African Year of Peace and Security. … I'm pleased to say also that EU will be contributing a billion Euros to supporting peace and security in Africa. Our summit in Libya opens the same day as the Cancun conference. … In Tripoli, we will be calling jointly for a successful conclusion to the negotiations. And I promise that we will do everything we can to deliver.” (A.N./transl.rt)