Brussels, 20/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has adopted a regional strategy document and a regional cooperation programme for the period 2002-2007 amounting to EUR 55 million in favour of Central Africa. The funds, which are not to be reimbursed, will be released under the 9th European Development Fund (EDF), the financial instrument of the Cotonou Agreement of June 2000. This new cooperation strategy aims to support the efforts of the region for development and for the fight against poverty. Above all, funds will support the regional integration process, institutional capacity of regional organisations, the priority regional transport network, rational management of natural resources and the regional mechanism of conflict prevention. Objectives were set after an indepth study carried out in consultation between the CEMAC (economic and monetary community of Central Africa) and the CEEAC (Economic Community of the Central African States), the non-state partners and the European Commission, the EU Member States and other fund providers.