Brussels, 22/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - Delivering the keynote opening address to the High Level Meeting on Africa's development needs on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday 22 September, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso spoke of the importance Europe placed on establishing a genuine partnership with the African continent. “Our relationship with Arica is unique. We are linked by history, by geography, by trade and by our languages. With the adoption of the joint Africa-European Union strategy in Lisbon in December 2007, we opened a new chapter in this relationship. This chapter takes account of the new economic, political and social realities. But it also goes beyond the usual development areas to embrace world issues. In other words, today's challenges,” he said. He set out three challenges that had to be met. Firstly, the increase in the prices of foodstuffs, for which the response had to be support for agriculture in developing countries, including giving African better access to seeds and fertilisers. Secondly, climate change, which could hit Africa particularly badly and wipe out the continent's anticipated 6% growth rate. Finally, the need to develop secure energy provision both for Europe and for Africa. Barroso also appealed for approval of the exceptional aid facility for agriculture in developing countries, with its proposed €1 billion for 2008-2009 (see EUROPE 9743). (O.L./transl.rt)