Michel: Europe's looking at Africa with fresh eyes

The next generation of leaders in Europe seeks a renewed EU-Africa partnership, Charles Michel, EU Council President told African leaders on Sunday during a state dinner held in Ethiopia’s capital and home of the African Union headquarters, Addis Ababa.
Although Michel is not formally participating in the summit, he joined the dinner held for African leaders following an invitation by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Abiy Ahmed, and travelled to the capital, to meet with his counterparts on the sidelines,
The EU Council President noted the long-lasting misconceptions Europe had about Africa, the continent of opportunities as Michel called it and that a post-colonial relationship should be enhanced.
“Europe wants to speak up on the international stage, where its values inspire its actions. This changing Europe is looking at Africa with fresh eyes – with respect, optimism and confidence,” said Michel, according to a transcript published by the EU Council.
Michel concluded his speech saying: “We are at the dawn of a new decade. We are ready to exchange, share and cooperate. Long live the alliance between Europe and Africa”