Abul-Gheit: Development in Africa important for fighting terrorism

"Development in Africa is a major plan for fighting terrorism," said Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul -Gheit yesterday.

ln his speech at a ministerial meeting on following up the 22nd summit of African and French heads of state, Abul-Gheit explained that fighting poverty and unemployment, prevention of wars and hostilities and combating endemic diseases were all issues that should be addressed to uproot terrorism and organized crime.

The Egyptian top diplomat noted that terrorism was not confined to a particular country, people, religion or culture.

Afro-French partnership, said Abul- Gheit, is a major prop to development efforts in Africa. He expressed hope that France would maintain its support to the African Continent, especially in the domains of peace-keeping and ending armed conflicts.

ln exclusive statements to MENA in Paris, Abul Gheit said all African countries took part in the meeting which was held in preparation for the African summit, slated for December in Mali.

"The Paris meeting addressed security and peace in Africa, terrorism and organized crime," the Egyptian Foreign Minister said.

Egypt's paper to the meeting went over those issues, along with the importance that African products have access to the markets of developed countries.

The Foreign Minister said he met in Paris, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting on following up the 22nd summit of African and French heads of state, with his French counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazy.

"Ways to further and promote"excellent" Egyptian-French relations were the focus of the discussions, "said Abul-Gheit, noting that he invited his French counterpart to visit to Egypt as soon as possible.