"We cannot remain indifferent to the problems and conflicts of Africa, such as failed states, terrorism, aids and poverty-driven migration, and to the development of the individual countries", State Secretary Hans Winkler said at a meeting with the Portuguese State Secretary for Development Cooperation, João Gomes Cravinho. "A lasting solution requires coordinated action on the part both of Africa and the European Union." Today, with a share of 55%, the EU is the world’s largest donor of public-sector development aid and thus has a leading role in combating poverty.
The EU adopted a strategy on Africa at the European Council in December 2005, which placed its development cooperation, security and economic engagement in Africa on a uniform basis for the first time. "We want to set about implementing this strategy during our Presidency. Our goal is a strategic partnership with Africa, based on the observance of international law, respect for human rights, implementation of women’s rights, rule of law and democracy. Africa's control over its own affairs has a key role in all of this. The establishment of the African Union (AU) has once again given us a committed partner capable of taking action. That is particularly so with regard to the EU’s involvement in AMIS (African Union Mission in Sudan), in which Austria’s armed forces are also participating", Winkler said.
At his meeting with his Portuguese counterpart, Winkler said he was particularly pleased that Portugal would assist the Presidency in implementing and working out the practical arrangements of the Africa strategy.
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