Blair calls for more Africa aid

Tony Blair has said more work needs to be done to deal with the problem of poverty in Africa.

The Prime Minister engaged in talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan before telling a press conference in Berlin that there were still challenges ahead in impoverished countries.

He said: "We know that there is very much more that still needs to be done.

"We know there's more that needs to be done in terms of aid, the world trade talks, building up Africa's capability, for example for conflict resolution and the peacekeeping force that it will require.

"We also know there are still far too many Africans who die when their death is preventable with our help.

"However, it's also worth pointing out that there is much that has been done."

Mr Blair said debt relief had contributed about 38 billion dollars (£19m), alongside increases in aid money which were "significant, though not enough".

He added that "far more" people were receiving treatment for HIV/Aids, while millions of African children were getting aneducation for the first time.

He said: "When help is given, it does make a difference and there are health service systems and education systems that are being transformed and changed as a result of the help and commitment that has been given by the international community."

The German Chancellor said she would push rich nations to fulfill aid pledges to Africa made two years ago amid criticism Germany itself is not doing enough.

She also said she would ensure aid kept flowing to the world's poorest continent.

"I support all goals. We now have to make sure we do not stagnate and realise in 2008 or 2009 that we let it slip," she said.

"I believe it is important for cooperation with Africa not just to make up new goals all the time, but now are within a structure where both sides, industrial countries and developing countries, have to fulfill their duties and by that build up the trust on both sides."

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