The bigger roles of AU and EU would reduce France's burden on peacekeeping, development aid and political dialog, he noted.

French Defense Minister Herve Morin said France would continue to keep a military presence in Africa despite President Sarkozy's intentions to renegotiate all military cooperation pacts with countries on the continent.

"What we would like to see is more involvement from other European nations in the search for solutions to the challenges that are facing Africa," said the minister.

In short, Sarkozy hoped that France would appear neutral and detached on African affairs in the future and turn its stereotyped image of a protector to that of a friend, thus furthering its long-term strategic interests on the continent.

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2008)