Anthony J. Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, is set to visit Nigeria, Angola, Cabo Verde, and Cote d’Ivoire from January 21 to 26, 2024, to strengthen the diplomatic relationship between the US and Africa.
In a press release issued by Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken said the visit is to accelerate the U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
Blinken will try to highlight the collaborative efforts in key areas such as climate, food, and health security.
Miller said, “He will also emphasise our future-focused economic partnership and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.”
The statement affirmed that security partnerships will also be at the forefront of discussions, grounded in shared values such as the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the expansion of the rule of law.
Secretary Blinken intends to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.
Moreover, he will address regional challenges through U.S. collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and pursuing diplomatic resolutions to conflicts, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The US affirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to sustained high-level engagement with Africa, underscoring the importance of diplomatic relations and partnerships on the continent.
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