” “"The importance of a privileged relation with South-Africa warrants the organisation of an event at the highest political level". This is how the current presidency of the European Union announced the first summit organised with the African country, represented by president Mbeki, due to take place in Bordeaux tomorrow. "Africa’s main regional power, the Republic of South-Africa is one of the emerging countries says a note from the EU . It is one of the propellers of the growth of the continent and a success-story that disproves Afro-pessimism". A strategic partnership and an action plan, jointly adopted since May 2007, are the reference framework for relations between the EU and South-Africa. "This first summit will be an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the strategic partnership in the areas of peace and security, science and technology, transport, and education". The presidents of the EU Council, the EU Commission and South-Africa will address three groups of subjects: global issues, i.e. climate change, migration, food security; economic challenges; security, with reference to Zimbabwe, Sudan, Chad and the Middle East.” “
