Africa has an important role in economic growth in upcoming decades, says Sarkozy

Africa has an important role in economic growth in upcoming decades, says SarkozyAfrica will have an important role in economic growth in the upcoming decades, said French President Nicolas Sarkozy, at a summit of African leaders in France.

Radio France Internationale reported on Monday that Sarkozy told the gathering of 38 African leaders in Nice their continent must have a stronger voice in global affairs.

Sarkozy said, "Absolutely none of the problems that the world faces today can be resolved without the active participation of the African continent."

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak also called for a greater African role in world affairs.

Mubarak said, "We want to end at all cost the marginalization of the African continent, so that it can participate with a clear and strong voice in political and economic decision-making at the international level."

It was reported that South African President Jacob Zuma outlined an approach for the prevention, resolution and management of conflicts that would include the input of the African Union Peace and Security The report further noted that council, an African Standby Force for peace support missions, the Panel of the Wise for mediating conflict situations, and a Continental Early Warning Systems for pre-empting and preventing conflicts. (With Inputs from Agencies)