Brussels, 12/12/2005 (Agence Europe) -Monday's General Affairs/External Relations Council reiterated its "firm intentions" of reinforcing the EU/Afghanistan partnership, and lending "long-term support" to the people and the government of Afghanistan. On the basis of the joint declaration, which was signed by both parties on 16 November (see EUROPE 9070), the Union hopes, amongst other things, to concentrate support on political and economic governance, the reform of the security sector and the justice sector, the fight against drugs, development, human rights, civil society and returns of refugees, education and culture, and the development of a regular political dialogue. "The Member States of the EU will also continue, if needs be, to provide Afghanistan with a not inconsiderable level of military and civilian support", read the conclusions approved by the foreign affairs ministers. The Council calls upon Javier Solana and the European Commission to present recommendations concerning actions to be taken in the fields listed in the joint declaration, as soon as possible.