ADDIS ABABA-(ENA) Friday, October 05, 2007-German Chancellor Dr.Angela Merkel Stressed the need for exploring new Dimensions for the partnership for Africa and Germany.

In her address to the African Representatives and resident ambassadors, before concluding her officials visit to Ethiopia at the African Union Head-Quarters Yesterday, Chancellor Merkel said Germany and Africa  had the opportunity to give a new shape to their cooperation.

The Chancellor said the partnership would have to concentrate on transfer of technology, investment promotion and energy supply, among others.

"Germany is ready to assist African states to be able to achieve the Millennium Development Goals", she said

Merkel also sees the need to devise a new strategy for Africa-EU partnership.

"During the German Presidency we will able to design a new strategy for partnership", she said .

The Strategy would cover the traditional areas of development Policy, areas of bilateral relations such as economic, trade and migration and other global issues related to climate, energy and terrorism.

Ghanaian President and Current Chairman of the Africa Union John Agyekum Kufour on his part expressed his hope that Africa-EU summit to be held in Lisbon,Portugal,by the end of this Year would help adopt the new Africa-EU joint strategy and action Plan.

The Strategy and the plan, According to Kufour,would Provide a framework for the new Phase in the collaboration between the two continents on the basis of a shared vision and a mutually beneficial relationship.

"we intend to use this Summit to explore opportunities for deepening  our long-standing Cooperation and Partnership," he said .

President Kufour, who is here on a four-day  working visit, also congratulated the Government and people of Ethiopia for the successful celebration of the Africa Millennium.

Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare also said Germany is striving to Convince European countries to reduce African dept. “The reduction of doubts would allow African to overcome its challenges”, Konare said.

He also expressed his hope that the partnership between Africa and the European Union (EU) would be further strengthened.

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