"This significant pledge shows that the international community is committed to help Guinea-Bissau make a fresh start. I hope that the massive support will encourage the government to pursue its ambitions for reform and deliver on its strategic vision Horizon 2025 - for the sake of the people of the country and the stability of the whole region," said Neven Mimica, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development.

On the basis of the priorities identified in the government's plan "Terra Ranka" for the coming five years, partners agreed to strengthen sectors including education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, governance and rule of law.

The participants in Wednesday's conference unanimously praised the progress made by the democratically elected authorities and paid tribute to their determination to consolidate democracy, the rule of law, economic recovery and poverty alleviation. They welcomed the fact that several partners have resumed full cooperation with Guinea-Bissau, including the EU which has just lifted Article 96 measures.

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