US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on a four-nation tour of Africa next week, aiming to strengthen the diplomatic relationship between the US and the continent. Blinken will visit Nigeria, Angola, Cabo Verde, and Cote d’Ivoire from January 21 to 26, 2024, according to a press release issued by the State Department.
The visit comes as the Biden administration seeks to accelerate the US-Africa partnership, which was launched at the US-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022. The summit, which brought together more than 40 African heads of state and government, as well as business and civil society leaders, marked a new era of cooperation and mutual respect between the US and Africa.
Blinken will highlight the collaborative efforts in key areas such as climate, food, and health security, as well as the future-focused economic partnership that aims to boost trade, investment, and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic. He will also emphasize the security partnerships that are grounded in shared values such as the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
In Nigeria, Blinken will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and other senior officials to discuss the bilateral and regional issues, including the fight against terrorism, the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the promotion of peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin and the Gulf of Guinea.
In Angola, Blinken will hold talks with President João Lourenço and other leaders to reaffirm the US support for Angola’s anti-corruption and democratic reforms, as well as to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment, especially in the energy sector.
In Cabo Verde, Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva and other officials to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and Cabo Verde, and to discuss the strategic partnership on maritime security, economic development, and climate resilience.
In Cote d’Ivoire, Blinken will meet with President Alassane Ouattara and other leaders to congratulate them on the successful conduct of the 2023 presidential election, and to reaffirm the US commitment to supporting Cote d’Ivoire’s democratic consolidation, economic growth, and regional leadership.
Blinken’s trip to Africa reflects the US recognition of the continent’s strategic importance and potential, as well as the desire to deepen the ties of friendship and cooperation with its people and governments. The US hopes to work with Africa to address the common challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in the 21st century.
Source: Business Day
