The Mauritius Prime Minister called for an effective partnership to characterise maturity in the ties between Africa and Europe, saying that Europe should adopt an approach that goes beyond the paternalistic spirit which has so far prevailed while dealing with Africa.
In Navin Ramgoolam’s address at the 4th EU-Africa summit meeting in Brussels, which took place on the 2nd and 3rd April, 2014, the Prime Minister stated that Africa is the continent of hope because of its economic potential, its natural resources and its young population.
The Prime Minister added that an effective partnership between Africa and Europe would lead to a win-win situation for both parties and help the emerging continent to attract foreign investments.
The 4th EU-Africa Summit brought together more than 60 EU and African leaders, and a total of 90 delegations, to discuss the future of EU-Africa relations and reinforce links between the two continents.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister met the Vice-President of the European Commission, Catherine Ashton, to review the world situation, in particular the issue of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, EU Commissioner Andris Piebalgs expressed appreciation for the prominent role played by Mauritius on the international front, in particular in finding a solution to the Malagasy crisis.
Also, he pledged support to Mauritius during the transition period in the wake of the abolition of sugar quota, lined up for 2017, when sugar prices are expected to decline drastically.
“In light of the findings of a study on its impact on the cane industry and the economy of Mauritius, the EU will take corrective measures,” Prime Minister Ramgoolam said.
With regard to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Piebalgs reiterated EU’s support to these countries, especially in the context of the third international conference to be held by the UN from 1st to 4th September 2014 in Apia, Samoa on the theme of the vulnerability of SIDS.
Finally, the Prime Minister also had a meeting with Madagascar President, Hery Rajaonarimampianina in course of the EU-Africa summit.
Image (European Council): The 4th EU-Africa Summit brought together more than 60 EU and African leaders, and a total of 90 delegations, to discuss the future of EU-Africa relations.
Here shown: Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Chairperson of the African Union; Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council; and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission.
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