Brussels, 20/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - In conclusions adopted on Tuesday 20 November in Brussels, the EU External Relations Council states its awareness of the great importance of sustainable agricultural growth for “poverty reduction and food security” and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa. Increased attention should therefore be paid to agriculture - including livestock, horticulture, fisheries and forestry - and to reducing poverty in the rural world. On cooperation, the Council subscribes to the Commission communication and, in particular, to its proposal to focus on seven priority areas, including: strengthening the role of agriculture in national development strategies, improving governance in the agricultural sector, increasing the effectiveness of research, enhancing trade facilitation, and supporting livestock development and livestock disease control. (L.C.)