Interview: Development in Africa vital for EU as well

Development in Africa is vital for Europe, Dieter Frisch, former director general for development at the European Commission, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

According to Frisch, the root of Europe's migrant crisis and terrorism problems is related to poverty in Africa.

"Fast population growth in Africa without sufficient job creation intensifies poverty and makes many people there desperate. This provides a breeding ground for the growing influence of terrorist organizations like Boko Haram.

"We should not abandon our fight against the root causes of problems. The short-term issues are rather the symptoms," Frisch said.

That is why, he believed, development in Africa is vital not only for Africa itself, but also for Europe.

"Funds used for this purpose should not be reduced. Development is indeed a powerful means of conflict prevention," Frisch said.

For Europe, what happens in Africa has a direct influence due to geographic proximity. The situation in Africa is also very important for China for it has economic interests in the continent.

"That's why stability on the continent is important," said the former EU official.

Frisch hoped Europe and China can join hands in cooperation with African countries to ensure its development and stability. Endit