BERLIN, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The German government on Wednesday adopted new political guidelines for Germany's Africa policy, focusing on sustainable economic development, migration and security.
"The guidelines reflect the growing importance of Africa and Germany's increased commitment," stated Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.
In order to promote sustainable economic development in African countries, the German government is increasingly focusing on private investment and trade in countries such as Tunisia, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.
Volkmar Klein, spokesperson for development policy of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, said that it was "crucial to focus on the sustainable economic development of Africa" and that "it is right that we should give special support to African states that are willing to reform."
The German government is focusing on political participation in African countries and equal opportunities especially for women and young people. Furthermore, the German government is providing material and training of security forces in Mali and Nigeria, among other countries.
Juergen Hardt, foreign policy spokesman of the CDU parliamentary group, said "Africa's challenges cannot be solved without functioning democratic states with governments committed to good governance."
Regarding migration, the German government is seeking to strengthen its cooperation with the African Union and to create better prospects in African countries, improve access to regular migration opportunities and at the same time regulate irregular migration.
"Reliable international rules" such as the Agenda 2030, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, should be strengthened together with the African countries in order to support them in coping with "global challenges such as poverty, hunger, terrorism, organized crime or climate change", according to the German government.
In addition, "civil society partnerships are to be deepened", the German government announced. The educational exchange between Germany and African countries should be strengthened, since a "better mutual understanding is the key to a more intensive partnership", according to the German government.
