Portugal, whose 15th century navigators were among the first Europeans to reach Africa, said the summit meeting it hosted in Lisbon this weekend would help dispel colonial guilt and resentment, laying the foundation for a new relationship between the European Union and Africa.

“My country is proud to act, once again, as the bridge between Europe and Africa,” said José Sócrates, the Portuguese prime minister who has faced down criticism for inviting Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe, and staked his political reputation on organising a successful summit between more than 70 EU and African leaders.