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European Commission to strengthen EU-China cooperation on Africa

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-15 23:07

BRUSSELS - The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU), Wednesday proposed strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China on Africa, and called for triangular EU-China-Africa dialogue and cooperation.

Under the proposal, the Commission said that Africa, the EU and China should work closely together in building infrastructure in Africa, supporting African Union (AU) peace and security efforts on the continent, promoting sustainable management of the environment, as well as fostering agricultural production.

"As both the EU and China are important trading partners and donors for Africa, this proposal suggests Africa, the EU and China should join forces in areas of shared interests rather than to focus on differences," said a statement issued by the Commission.

"The proposal has been prepared for a long time and can be considered a kind of preparation for the upcoming EU-China summit," said John Clancy, a Commission spokesman for humanitarian aid, development and relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific states.

The proposal will be passed on to the EU Council and the European Parliament for endorsement.