"The seven million euros will make it possible to complete funding for the integrated management of water resources, such as sharing water or issues relating to the navigability of the river," Luc Supera, the director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Senegal told AFP.

The announcement came as OMVS members -- Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania and Mali -- held a day-long mini summit in Dakar Wednesday.

Present at the talks were President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, Ely Ould Mohamed Vall of Mauritania and Mali's Amadou Toumani Toure.

Ailing Guinea President Lansana Conte was represented by his energy minister, Thierno Habib Diallo.

The issue of the navigability of the Senegal river "remains at the heart of OMVS priorities", said Wade in his opening speech.

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