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Africa High on G8 Agenda, Merkel Tells U2’s Bono
Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the priorities of the German G8 presidency with Bono, founding member and lead singer of the band U2, in Berlin on April 17. One of the overriding concerns of the German government during its presidency of the G8 is to improve the situation on the African continent. Merkel thanked Bono for his enormous personal commitment to development, in particular in Africa. At the same time she assured him that Africa will be a prominent topic at the G8 summit to be held soon in Heiligendamm. Discussions will focus on issues such as improving the climate for investment, promoting sustainable investment and good governance. Africa – Good governance, sustainable investment, peace and security
The urgent problems facing Africa will be one of the main concerns of the German G8 presidency, along with global economic development. The spotlight will be on the economic development of the continent, poverty reduction and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Relations between the G8 nations and Africa are to be extended in the form of a partnership for reform. Europe’s neighboring continent needs a new qualitative approach, Merkel said. It is by no means a “lost” continent. For the development of Africa, economic growth and the responsibility of the G8 nations are crucially important. A pivotal issue will continue to be the strengthening of African health systems, in particular with respect to efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. The German presidency will be sending out a positive message of confidence in the future of Africa: the nations of Africa are to develop structures that will facilitate private investment, i.e. greater democracy, less corruption, more ownership and increased sovereignty over raw materials. April 18, 2007
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