Africa-Europe summit winds up works in Cairo

The first Africa-Europe summit gathering representatives of 67 African and European countries wound up its two-day works in Cairo Tuesday adopting statements and an action plan to promote Euro-African cooperation.

The action plan marshaled by the summit deals with economic issues, African integration in the world economy, human rights, democratic principles and institutions, management of public affairs and the rule of law, consolidation of peace, conflict prevention and management, development and follow-up mechanisms.

The two sides agreed to back regional integration in Africa and jointly promote a political, economic and social environment likely to favor international cooperation and attract foreign investments. They also insisted on the necessity of promoting trade, the private sector, investment, development resources, basic infrastructure and deal with foreign debt.

African and EU participants pledged to abide by human rights principles, adopt a global approach to violations, protect women's rights and strengthen public democratic institutions based on pluralism.

The action plan also covers the fight against poverty with both sides to join efforts in promoting international development objectives and approaches favoring economic growth coupled with political, social and environmental concerns.