Author: Javier Solana.

The European Union and China need to work more closely together in Africa in 2007. We have both made important commitments to our African partners, but much still remains to be done to deliver these commitments effectively. Africa is on the move, diversifying economically. It is also enjoying substantial growth rates after years of stagnation and crises. A new generation of African leaders is under way to truly integrate African societies in the world economy and to ensure the political place Africa deserves. Democracy is gaining ground and the number of armed conflicts in Africa is diminishing. We are coming closer to the point where vicious circles of instability, poverty and war turn into a virtuous circle of growth and stability.