Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU is concerned at the increasing investment of China in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39780/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the contrast often made between what has been perceived as the commercial focus of China's policy in Africa and the primary focus of Ireland and the EU on issues such as poverty reduction, human rights and good governance. However, I believe that this contrast can be overstated. At the EU-China Summit held in Nanjing last November, both sides welcomed trilateral dialogue between the EU, China and Africa, and agreed to explore appropriate areas for cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the full and timely achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and to supporting Africa's sustainable development and early economic recovery from the global financial crisis.

At the most recent summit, held in Brussels earlier this month, both sides reaffirmed their active commitment to peace and sustainable development of the world. There are therefore signs that China is increasingly aware of the importance of peace and stability in Africa and, as such, these are areas of shared interest with the EU. China also has a large contribution to make in Africa by the sharing of experience on the reduction of poverty, including in some key areas for Africa such as raising agricultural productivity. I am also of the view that the commitment of African countries to such issues as human rights, gender equality, good governance and the fight against corruption is not only the product of pressure related to assistance from donors or investors such as the EU or China. African countries are participants in a wide range of international instruments which guarantee such freedoms and are, as is Ireland, accountable under the terms of these international agreements.