Vol. 577 No. 1
34 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposed meeting of EU and African foreign ministers in Dublin in April 2004; his further views on current EU-African relations; if representatives of the government of Zimbabwe will attend the Dublin meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30429/03]
Ireland attaches great importance to the development of the EU's relationship with Africa through the EU-Africa dialogue and intends to pursue this as a priority during our Presidency. I was very pleased to participate in a meeting, in troika format, with the African Union in Rome on 10 November which resulted in agreement on new modalities for revitalising and enhancing the EU-Africa dialogue. Ireland is fully supportive of these new arrangements, including greater use of the troika format, which will provide for more efficient dialogue and create the opportunity for its further enhancement during our Presidency.
In order to build on the renewed impetus to EU-Africa dialogue, Ireland, as EU President, intends to host a ministerial meeting with the African Union in Dublin on 1 April 2004. This meeting will provide an opportunity to enhance EU-Africa dialogue on issues such as peace and security and conflict prevention and resolution and to discuss other issues of mutual concern such as Zimbabwe.
