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EU-African Co-operation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004

Wednesday, 19 May 2004

Questions (29, 30, 31)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

17 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the matters discussed and agreements reached during the recent European Union/South Africa Troika meeting held in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14490/04]

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Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

43 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU-African Union troika meeting at Farmleigh in April 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14672/04]

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Liz McManus

Question:

85 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the recent EU-African Union Troika held in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14558/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 43 and 85 together.

The Irish Presidency has attached major importance to promoting and strengthening the EU's engagement with Africa. We have sought to use our Presidency to focus increased international attention on the major challenges which Africa still faces, including peace and security, promotion of human rights and good governance, and support for attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. The Irish Presidency has attempted to build on the long-standing priority which Africa has been accorded nationally, with six of our seven priority countries for development assistance located in Africa. Ireland has the largest current deployment of UN peacekeeping personnel serving in Africa among EU member states, principally composed of the contingent serving with UNMIL in Liberia.

The discussions with the African Union troika, led by Foreign Minister Simao of Mozambique and also comprising Foreign Minister Dlamini Zuma of South Africa and African Union, AU, Commissioner Said Djinnit took place in a very positive and constructive atmosphere and covered peace and security and good governance issues, as well as regional integration and trade and development issues, such as external debt and food security.

I welcome the fact that two important reports were agreed at the EU-Africa meeting, the first a joint paper on effective multilateralism and the second an agreed report on Africa's external debt. The latter paper represents a considerable achievement as agreement on this issue had not proved possible up to now within the framework of the dialogue. The Joint Declaration on Effective Multilateralism reflects a shared approach and commitment to conflict prevention and resolution, economic development and strengthening multilateralism within the international system. It will provide a good platform for co-operation with our African partners in multilateral fora.

I was also very pleased to be able to announce at the EU-Africa meeting agreement on the financing arrangements for the European Union's African Peace Facility. This facility, which will make €250 million available through the European Development Fund to strengthen African peacekeeping capabilities, is an important development which will directly help to save lives in Africa, through empowering African countries to mount effective peacekeeping efforts.

The inaugural EU-South Africa Ministerial Troika was held on 2 April 2004, with the South African side led by Foreign Minister Zuma. Discussions centred on EU-South Africa relations and we welcomed the completion of ratification procedures for the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement, TDCA. In recognition of South Africa's celebration of ten years of democracy, the achievements of that country in a post-apartheid context were discussed as well as the significant challenges that still remain. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to aid South Africa in overcoming these difficulties through the TDCA and a sustained programme of co-operation. Zimbabwe and conflict areas on the African continent were also discussed. Underlying multilateralism as a common foreign policy goal, we agreed that there would be closer co-operation between the EU and South Africa in international fora, including UN bodies such as the UN Commission on Human Rights, and on the International Criminal Court.

On 2 April, I was delighted to sign a bilateral Declaration of Intent with my South African counterpart instituting the Ireland-South Africa Partnership Forum. This opens a new chapter in Irish-South Africa relations, solidifying and formalising the relationship between our countries. This ensures regular consultations on issues of mutual concern, and will serve as an instrument for deepening Ireland-South Africa co-operation in political, economic and developmental spheres.

EU-Africa relations are now in a strong state and the dialogue is working well. There is a real engagement with our African partners on the crucial issues of peace and security, and democracy and good governance, and a determination on both sides to strengthen our co-operation in these areas and make it more effective. There is also now a willingness on both sides to engage in frank discussion on issues where there may be differences, such as Zimbabwe, and this is also a development which I welcome as confirmation of a healthy and productive relationship.

Africa will continue to be a major priority throughout the remainder of the Irish Presidency, with particular focus on the serious humanitarian and political situation in Darfur where the EU is working actively with the UN and the African Union to address the situation and ensure all necessary humanitarian access. Implementation of the EU's regional strategy for West Africa and continued active support for the preparations for the holding of the international conference on the Great Lakes region later this year will also be important tasks.

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