Tal
Lissabon 8 december 2007
Fredrik Reinfeldt, Statsminister

Statsminister Fredrik Reinfeldts anförande vid EU-Afrikatoppmötet den 8-9 december

Det talade ordet gäller

Prime Minister Socrates, President Kufuor, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Through globalization our two continent's opportunities and challenges are becoming more and more intertwined. This summit, provides, a unique occasion for us to make common cause in tackling problems and making the best of our joint opportunities.

Africa is a continent plagued by many problems. It is also a continent filled with hope - here Liberia comes to mind. But a lot more needs to be done.

We need fresh thinking on how we - Africans and Europeans -can work better together to create a development that offers dignity and empowerment to people regardless of where they originate from. Regardless if they are men, women or children. That requires a sense of direction, leadership and conviction.

Together we need to focus more:
On democracy and human rights.
On climate change.
And on global development

First, democracy and human rights,

Democracy and rule of law form the basis for a society where people can live in peace with each other. Respect for human rights and respect for democratic principles are mutually reinforcing and necessary prerequisites for development and security. Today's Zimbabwe comes to me as a tragic illustration of the reverse: the links between political repression, human rights violations, negative growth and increasing poverty.

No historical injustice can excuse repression or violence against political opponents.
No cultural tradition can exonerate the violation of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights.
No quest for stability can justify the denial of humanitarian access or the targeting of civilians in conflict.

Human suffering and violations against civilians must come to an end in places like Darfur and Somalia.

Second, climate change.

The launch of a special Africa-EU Partnership on Climate Change, reflects the importance we attach to the issue and to the need for urgent action.

Although we all share responsibility, the developed countries must take the lead in reducing emissions of green house gases.

But, Africa and Europe must cooperate to secure a post-2012 agreement. We should also increasingly integrate climate issues into development cooperation in Africa.

Recently, Sweden launched a Commission on Climate Change and Development on the issues of risk reduction, adaptation and climate-proofing development. Ms. Wangari Mathai from the Green Belt Movement and Mr. Youba Sokona from the Sahara and Sahel Observatory will be two of the Commission's 13 members.

We hope that the work of the Commission will contribute both to the new Africa-EU Partnership on Climate Change, and to a successful outcome of the negotiations within the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. Sweden will also contribute to the Global Climate Change Alliance, which will benefit many African states.

Third, the global development.

The benefits of globalization - which has brought prosperity to millions - are yet to reach many in Africa. Increased efforts are needed if the Millennium Development Goals are to be attained by 2015.

We must continue promoting a fair and market-oriented world trading system. Access for African goods and services to international markets, including the European, needs to be improved. A successful conclusion of the Doha Round is a top priority. For partners in Africa we wish to go beyond WTO-commitments within the Economic Partnership Agreements and while respecting WTO-rules.

The European Union must improve coherence among EU policies honoring commitments in the areas of resource mobilization and more effective development assistance.

I wish in this context to stress the importance of concluding as soon as possible the EPA:s between the EU and Africa. This will enable us to strengthen trade relations while keeping the development dimension at the heart of our cooperation. Sweden will continue to actively support trade-related capacity building and the integration of Africa into the world economy.

We must also work harder to fight corruption, which causes poverty, increases inequality and hits the poorest the hardest.

Chairmen, Excellencies,

The challenges and opportunities before us are more numerous and complex: HIV/AIDS, trafficking in human beings, migration and asylum to mention a few. We need a clear vision and commitment to meet these and at the same time deliver dignity and empowerment to people. With conviction that this is possible - we have to work together to make it happen. The launching of this weekends broad Africa-EU partnership is one important step ahead.

Thank you.