Tuesday, October 9, 2018

First Lady Melania Trump Visits Egypt


Photo: The White House

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2018

First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Cairo, Egypt

First Lady Melania Trump landed in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday Morning.  Entissar Amer, the First Lady of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Thomas Goldberger, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to Egypt, greeted Mrs. Trump.

The first stop in Egypt was to Ittihadiya Palace for a meeting with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt and First Lady Lady Entissar Amer. Mrs. Trump discussed her focus and goals of supporting children all over the world in order to ensure future generations have every opportunity to grow up and contribute to society in meaningful and positive ways.

Following the meeting, the First Lady met with the Chargé d’Affaires, Thomas Goldberger and his wife Eden Goldberger, and staff of the United States Embassy, thanking them for their service to the United States.

Mrs. Trump visited a few of Egypt’s many cultural sites including the Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While there, she also received a briefing about USAID’s Water Table Reduction Project at the base of the Sphinx.

“I want to thank President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and First Lady Entissar Amer for hosting me in Egypt,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “It was a nice opportunity to see the pyramids in person, which are truly a historical treasure. We must always do our best to preserve such important historical sites, and I was so pleased to learn of the work that USAID has done to help with preservation efforts at the base of the Sphinx.”

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First Lady Melania Trump Visits Kenya

Photo: The White House

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2018

Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Nairobi, Kenya

First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Nairobi, Kenya late on Thursday evening.  She was greeted by the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta and the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya, Robert Godec.

On the morning of Friday, October 5, Mrs. Trump traveled to Nairobi National Park. Upon arrival, she went to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to learn about their facilities and mission and to observe the staff engage in their daily routine of feeding the baby elephants rescued by the shelter. Mrs. Trump, joined by Mrs. Kenyatta, fed the baby elephants with large bottles of milk. After the feeding concluded, Mrs. Trump spoke with briefly Angela Sheldrick, the owner of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Edwin Lusuchi, the Chief Elephant Keeper.

On the Safari, the First Lady was able to see many wild animals including zebras, hippos, rhinos, and giraffes. Along the way, Mrs. Trump was briefed by Nelly Palmeris, the senior warden of Nairobi National Park, about the conservation efforts of the Kenya Wildlife Service. Near the end of the tour, Mrs. Trump visited one of the ivory burn sites, which are important landmarks in conservation, where Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi made a dramatic statement to poachers by setting fire to 11 tons of seized ivory in 1989.

Following her visit at Nairobi National Park, Mrs. Trump visited the Nest Baby Village part of the Nest Children’s Home, which cares for children ages newborn to 17 whose mothers are imprisoned. This shelter focuses on children by providing them with clothing and food, emotional support, medical care, and educational opportunities.

Director and founder of the Nest Children’s Home, Irene Baumgartner, greeted the First Lady. Children sang and danced around Mrs. Trump to welcome her and escorted her to the nursery village. Mrs. Trump met with the staff and held many of the babies. Outside in the gardens, older children sang to the First Lady. Mrs. Trump read a story titled The Lion and the Mouse. Before departing, the children circled the First Lady for a prayer and each child gave her a flower.

The shelter, which has been in operation since 1994, is a charitable trust that relies solely on private donations. The First Lady donated baby blankets, teddy bears, and children’s bags containing several items, including Frisbees and water bottles.

In the late afternoon, Mrs. Trump joined Mrs. Kenyatta at the State House for a private meeting where they discussed their shared goals within their respective countries – noting the importance of maternal health and education for children. First Lady Melania Trump and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta visited the Nairobi National Theater for a cultural performance by the Sarakasi Allstars. The audience included children from various schools and programs including the Nest and USAID Nilendi program.

Mrs. Trump also attended an Embassy Meet and Greet in order to thank United States Ambassador Robert Godec and Embassy employees for their service.

“My time in Kenya impacted me greatly and I want to thank everyone who took the time to meet with me, especially Mrs. Kenyatta,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “The hospitality that I received made the experience so special. I was awed by the beauty of Nairobi National Park and was very interested to learn more about Kenya’s conservation efforts. The Nest is a prime example of what it means to protect and nurture our next generation – seeing their efforts shape the lives of so many children is something I will never forget. I look forward to visiting again in the future.”

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Photos: The White House

Nest Children's Home - Limuru, Kenya

Kenya National Theater, Nairobi

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi National Park

 Nest Children's Home - Limuru, Kenya

First Lady Melania Trump Visits Malawi

Photo: The White House

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2018

Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Lilongwe, Malawi

First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, known as the “warm heart of Africa,” on Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Trump was greeted at the airport by the First Lady of Malawi, Gertrude Mutharika, and her granddaughter, who handed Mrs. Trump flowers. Children and dancers performed at the arrival ceremony.

The First Lady traveled to the Chipala Primary School, and was greeted by the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Bright Msaka and the Head Teacher, Maureen Masi. Over 8,000 students attend the school. The facility has 22 classrooms with an average class size of approximately 106 students per class. The First Lady toured the classrooms, observed an English lesson, and later met with teachers, parents, and local school management.

At a textbook handover ceremony, the First Lady discussed the importance of educating and empowering youth and lauded USAID’s continued efforts to increase access to education for children in Malawi. Before departing the school, Mrs. Trump stopped in the schoolyard to watch students play soccer with a few of the soccer balls that she donated. Along with the soccer balls, the First Lady donated other Be Best items including tote bags with classroom supplies inside for the teachers, as well as Frisbees for the children.

“The growth and success of a country starts with educating our children,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “I want to thank the teachers and children at Chipala Primary school for today’s warm welcome and commend the staff for their commitment to providing their students the education and tools needed to grow and to be able to contribute to a prosperous society. The positivity and passion to learn was so evident in each classroom, and I appreciate the time everyone took to show me around the school.”

Following the school visit, Mrs. Trump met with Ambassador Virginia Palmer and the Embassy staff, thanking them for their service on behalf of the United States and their continued efforts in Malawi. Mrs. Trump is the first United States First Lady to visit Malawi.

Mrs. Trump then visited First Lady Mutharika at the State House. The two had a productive discussion around the importance of ensuring education and resources are available for all children. The visit also included a cultural performance on the rooftop garden of the State House.

“Thank you to Professor Mutharika and the many other key leaders in Malawi who made me feel very welcome today. This visit showed me the warmth and kindness of Malawi and the incredible efforts that support the growth of education for children. I look forward to returning to Malawi in the future.”

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Photos: The White House

Malawi State House

With First Lady Gertrude Mutharika,
Malawi State House

Chipala Primary School, Lilongwe

Lilongwe International Airport

Lilongwe International Airport

 Chipala Primary School, Lilongwe

First Lady Melania Trump Visits Ghana

Photo: The White House

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2018

Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Accra and Cape Coast, Ghana

First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Accra, Ghana Tuesday morning.  Mrs. Trump was greeted by the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo and the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to Ghana, Christopher Lamora.  Flowers were presented to Mrs. Trump and local schoolchildren greeted her waving United States and Ghanaian flags.  Mrs. Trump was welcomed to the Jubilee Lounge for an official meeting with Mrs. Akufo-Addo.

In the afternoon, accompanied by USAID Administrator, Mark Green, Mrs. Trump visited the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, also known as Ridge Hospital.  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides robust assistance to this hospital, specifically to support maternal, newborn, and child health.  The First Lady and Administrator Green  were met by Mrs. Akufo-Addo, the Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Srofenyoh and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cynthia Morrison, who escorted them on a tour of the hospital.  The first stop was to the old wing of the hospital, the Child Welfare Clinic, where they observed how newborns were weighed with cloth bags hanging from a scale, and their vitals recorded in a ledger.  The medical staff showed Mrs. Trump and Administrator Green how they educate new mothers on infant care and the importance of immunizations and good nutrition.  The second stop was to the new wing of the hospital, where the First Lady and her delegation visited the newborn intensive care unit.  Mrs. Trump also had the opportunity to meet with new mothers being trained in the hospital’s Kangaroo Mother Care – a method used in caring for premature babies where infants are held skin-to-skin with the mother.  Before departing, Mrs. Trump donated baby blankets, teddy bears, weighing sacks, and diaper bags to the hospital.  All donations were personally selected by the First Lady.

The First Lady then traveled to the Jubilee House to meet with Mrs. Akufo-Addo at her residence on the grounds, where they discussed the importance of maternal and newborn health in all communities.

In the afternoon, the First Lady met with the Chargé d’Affaires, Christopher Lamora, and his staff at the United States Embassy to thank them for their service to the United States.

On Wednesday morning, Mrs. Trump traveled to the central region of Ghana to meet with Chieftains at Emintsimadze Palace and tour Cape Coast Castle, one of about 40 castles used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.  As is custom, before touring Cape Coast Castle, Mrs. Trump had an audience at Emintsimadaze Palace with Cape Coast’s Paramount Chief, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II and chieftains to be granted permission to visit the Cape Coast Castle.  During a cultural ceremony, the chieftains gifted the First Lady with a traditional Kente cloth, hand-made sandals, and a hand-made necklace and bracelet.

Following her visit to Emintsimadze Palace, Mrs. Trump walked throughout Cape Coast Castle, visiting significant locations, including rooms that were formerly used as slave dungeons.  The First Lady placed wreaths in the Male Dungeon and the Female Insurgents’ Cell in memory of the tens of thousands of innocent people brutally impacted by the cruel injustices that took place at Cape Coast.

“I want to thank the people of Ghana for such a wonderful visit and the opportunity to learn about their history and culture,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “My time in your country was filled with so many meaningful stops.  It was encouraging to see the commitment and compassion of Ridge Hospital staff and their focus on maternal and newborn health, and I want to thank Mrs. Akufo-Addo for accompanying me.  I also enjoyed visiting with the Omahen of the Oguaa Traditional Area Cape Coast, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, queen mothers, and other traditional leaders at Emintsimadze Palace, and it was an incredibly moving honor to have the opportunity to pay my respects at Cape Coast Castle.  Thank you to President and Mrs. Akufo-Addo for their hospitality and to the hardworking Embassy staff who helped make this visit possible.  I look forward to visiting Ghana again in the future.”

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Photos: The White House

Welcome ceremony at Kotoka International Airport, Accra

NICU, Greater Accra Regional Hospital

With Paramount Chief at Emintsimadze Palace, Cape Coast

 Door of No Return, Cape Coast Castle

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Central African Republic Ratifies Biological Weapons Convention



United States Applauds Central African Republic’s Ratification of the Biological Weapons Convention
09/26/2018 02:29 PM EDT

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 26, 2018

On September 25, 2018, the Government of the Central African Republic deposited its instrument of ratification to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) with the U.S. Department of State, one of this treaty’s Depositary Governments. The United States warmly congratulates the Central African Republic for taking this step, which advances the BWC toward the goal of universalization.

The BWC is the key instrument for strengthening international efforts against the threat posed by biological weapons, whether in the hands of state or non-state actors. Maximizing its effectiveness requires that all states become Parties and fully implement its obligations. The United States urges all states not party to the BWC to accede to the treaty without further delay.

First Lady Melania Trump Announces Visit to Africa



THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
For Immediate Release
September 26, 2018

FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP ANNOUNCES PLANNED STOPS DURING VISIT TO AFRICA

NEW YORK, NY : In remarks delivered today during a reception she hosted for delegates to the 73rd Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), First Lady Melania Trump announced the stops she will make during her upcoming visit to Africa.

This will be the First Lady’s first major solo international trip.  Mrs. Trump will travel the first week of October to Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt.

Since launching her Be Best campaign in May, Mrs. Trump has had the opportunity to meet with children all over the world, promoting successful organizations and programs that share her goal as First Lady of the United States’ supporting and helping children.

“Since becoming First Lady, I have had the privilege of speaking with many of the spouses of world leaders,” said First Lady Melania Trump.  “Our discussions are always united by the universal desire to provide children with the support and tools necessary to grow up happy, healthy, and responsible adults.  I am thrilled to be working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on what I know will be a meaningful trip.”

The First Lady’s Office is working closely with USAID to plan the visits on her upcoming trip. During the trip, Mrs. Trump will learn more about the United States role in providing assistance to help countries become self-sufficient.  Her trip will focus on maternal and newborn care in hospitals, education for children, the deep culture and history woven into each African country, and how the United States is supporting each country on its journey to self-reliance.


FULL UNGA REMARKS BELOW:

Good morning and thank you all for being here today.

Let me begin by thanking Administrator Mark Green for the kind introduction.  I have been so impressed with the work the United States Agency for International Development does around the world, and am excited to work with them on my upcoming trip to Africa.

When I launched BE BEST, it was with the goal of combatting some of the issues that children face today by shining a spotlight on successful programs and organizations that teach children the tools and skills needed for emotional, social and physical well-being.

Since the launch, I have had the opportunity to meet children all over the world, with the goal of talking to them about the importance of healthy living and responsible habits.

Last June I spoke at the Students against Destructive Decisions National Conference – a training program for middle and high school children to become leaders in encouraging their peers to live drug-free lives.

In July, I visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England, and I met local schoolchildren educated under the motto “the best that we can be.” We spoke at length about the importance of kindness and how each of them lives under their school’s positive motto.

I was also able to visit the Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center to meet with students included in Microsoft’s Council for Digital Good.  The students provide ideas and feedback for Microsoft’s youth-focused online safety policy work.  They had designed art projects representing their individual ideas of what it means to be civil in this digital age.

There are many programs across the country that are doing great things for children, and I believe we can replicate many of these programs overseas.  This is why I am pleased to be working closely with USAID as I prepare for my first major International trip to Africa.  By working with developing countries around the world to help them with their journey to self-reliance, USAID’s work embodies much of what Be Best stands for.

Because of the many successful partnerships they have built in both the public and private sectors, USAID is able to maximize their impact and work towards a time when there will no longer be a need for foreign assistance.  When more people have opportunity, and when societies are freer and more democratic, our own country is safer and stronger.

October 1 will mark the first day of my solo visit to four beautiful and very different countries in Africa – Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt – all of which have worked alongside USAID and our partners to make great progress in overcoming some of their biggest challenges.

I’d like to take a moment and thank the First Lady of Ghana for being with us today.  Mrs. Akufo-Addo, I look forward to visiting your country and know we will find ways to continue working together even after my visit.  In Ghana, USAID’s programs have focused on healthcare by supporting efforts to expand the coverage and quality of healthcare for mothers and newborns, and educating women and young children about the importance of proper nutrition.

I see the First Lady of Malawi is also with us today.  Professor Mutharika, thank you for being here.  In Malawi, USAID has demonstrated that education is one of the keys to combatting poverty and promoting prosperity.  Their efforts aim to increase access to education, and work to ensure all children acquire the skills needed to succeed in school and life.  I am very excited to have the opportunity to visit Malawi and better understand how our countries can continue working together for a prosperous future.

I also want to recognize Mrs. Kenyatta, of Kenya.  Wonderful to see you again. It was great to host you in the White House a few weeks ago.  In Kenya, USAID works on a variety of programs, including early-childhood education, wildlife conservation, and HIV prevention.  Mrs. Kenyatta, I look forward to visiting your country and know that together, we will be able to do great things on behalf of children.

My final stop, which is Egypt, will focus on the country’s tourism and conservation projects, but I know that through USAID, we have worked with the people of Egypt to promote an environment in which all groups of society – including women and religious minorities – can lead productive and healthy lives.  In fact, their programs have directly supported a reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates, improved early-grade reading, and restored and preserved historical sites vital to Egypt’s tourism.

USAID’s motto is “From the American People.” I am so proud of the work this Administration is doing through USAID and others, and look forward to the opportunity to take the message of my Be Best campaign to many of the countries, and children, throughout Africa.  Whether it is education, drug addiction, hunger, online safety or bullying, poverty or disease, it is too often children who are hit first, and hardest, across the globe.  Each of us hails from a country with its own unique challenges, but I know in my heart we are united by our commitment to raising the next generation to be happy, healthy and morally responsible adults.

I want to thank you all for being here today, and I look forward to our continued work on behalf of the next generation.

God bless you, your families, each of your countries, and may God bless the United States of America.


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Dep. Sec. Sullivan Meets Sudanese Foreign Minister Dirdeiry Mohamed Ahmed

Deputy Secretary Sullivan Meets With Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohamed Ahmed Al-Dukhairi Al-Dirderi in New York City
Photo: State Department

Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With Sudanese Foreign Minister Dirdeiry Mohamed Ahmed
09/26/2018 09:16 AM EDT

Readout
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 26, 2018

The statement below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

On September 24, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Sudanese Foreign Minister Dirdeiry Mohamed Ahmed, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The two discussed the strengthening of U.S-Sudan relations, expanding counterterrorism cooperation, addressing human rights, including religious freedom and humanitarian access, and bringing peace to neighboring South Sudan. The United States will remain focused on achieving an end to conflict, supporting an inclusive national political process, and creating an environment for political reform and economic development in Sudan.

Dep. Sec. Sullivan Meets Angolan Min. of External Relations Manuel Augusto

File Photo

Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Meeting With Angolan Minister of External Relations Manuel Augusto
09/26/2018 06:52 AM EDT

Readout
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 25, 2018

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Yesterday, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Angolan Minister of External Relations Manuel Augusto on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Deputy Secretary applauded the Lourenço Administration’s bold steps to fight corruption, strengthen democratic institutions, and improve the business climate in Angola. He pledged U.S. support for Angola’s efforts to recover stolen assets and promote transparency and accountability. Finally, Deputy Secretary Sullivan thanked Minister Augusto for Angola’s regional leadership in supporting credible and non-violent elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and encouraged Angola to keep the pressure on North Korea to work towards a de-nuclearized Korean peninsula.

President Trump Meets Egypt’s President Al-Sisi


File Photo

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2018

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRESIDENT AL-SISI OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING
United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York

5:23 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, thank you very much.  It’s a great honor to be with President Al-Sisi, a friend — a great friend — of Egypt.  And we have very special things happening.  Our relationship has never been stronger.  And we’re working with Egypt on many different fronts, including military and trade.  And whatever else you can work, we’re working.  And we’re getting along great, and it’s an honor to be with you again.

PRESIDENT AL-SISI:  (As interpreted.)  Mr. President, it’s a great pleasure to be here, and the honor is all mine.  And I congratulate you on all the achievements that you have accomplished over the past year.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT AL-SISI:  (As interpreted.)  Being here and having this meeting really speaks volumes of the magnitude of the relationship between Egypt and the United States.

We have a longstanding relationship for 40 years now.  And during your term, Mr. President, our relationship has led us to even more support.  Thank you.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I want to thank you, and I want to congratulate you on doing an outstanding job with respect to terrorism.  I know you’re working very hard on that.  It’s not easy.  And you’re at the forefront.  But you’ve done an outstanding job, and I just want to congratulate you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT AL-SISI:  (As interpreted.)  With your support, Mr. President, we’ll be able attain this objective.  We will be able to eliminate the terrorism.  And this has been your obligation that you made very clear during your presidential campaign that you are going to eliminate terrorism all over (inaudible).

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We’ve done very well.  If you look at various parts of the Middle East, you look at Syria, we’ve wiped out ISIS.  We’re in the very final throes.  But you have really been outstanding.  And we will work with you, and we will go all the way.  Thank you very much.  Great job.

PRESIDENT AL-SISI:  Thank you.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.  Thank you very much everybody.

END                 5:28 P.M. EDT

__________________________________________

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2018

Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt

Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt during the United Nations General Assembly.  The two leaders underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt.  President Trump reiterated his commitment to the security, stability, and prosperity of Egypt.  Both leaders discussed the importance of religious liberty and progress in the treatment of Egypt’s Coptic community.  President Trump also emphasized that the United States will continue to closely work with Egypt on challenging regional and international issues.

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Op-Ed: U.S. is Africa’s ‘Ideal Partner’ for Promoting Democratic Institutions & Economic Growth



Op-Ed

Tibor P. Nagy, Jr.
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
Washington, DC
September 18, 2018

This entry was originally published by allAfrica as a guest column:

After having the honor of serving my country as a diplomat for more than 30 years – 22 of them in eight different African countries – this week I have the opportunity for the first time to underscore U.S. interests in and commitment to the continent at the United Nations General Assembly.

In dozens of meetings and conversations in New York, I will highlight the importance of a continued and strong U.S.-Africa partnership that prioritizes the following goals:
  • Promoting stronger trade and commercial ties between the United States and Africa by establishing a level playing field across African markets;
  • Harnessing the potential of Africa’s tremendous youth bulge as a force for economic ingenuity and prosperity, which is a counter narrative to violent extremism and despair;
  • Advancing peace and security through robust partnerships with African governments via bilateral and regional mechanisms; and
  • Most importantly, reemphasizing that the United States has an unwavering commitment to Africa.
Far from being mutually exclusive, these priorities are mutually reinforcing. Our failure or success depends on a “whole of government” approach in working with international partners, civil society, and the large African diaspora in the United States, towards a future which leads to peace, stability and prosperity – now and for future generations across Africa.

My experiences in both diplomacy and academia have convinced me that Africa truly is at a critical crossroads, and the direction it takes in the next few years will have a major impact – for good or ill – not only on the continent, but across the world.

Everyone who follows trends in Africa knows that a demographic sea change is coming between now and 2050, when the continent will double its population to more than two billion and the percentage of Africans younger than 25 years of age will surpass 75 percent. These millions and millions of young Africans will have high aspirations for employment and quality of life – no different than young people anywhere in the world. With the proliferation of social media, African youth have a clear window into the countless possibilities that the world has to offer, but more importantly can compare their own circumstances with those of their peers around the globe.

Africa’s leaders are beginning to understand that their most important challenge is to create meaningful and lasting jobs for their youth. And I plan to do all I can to help, since the United States is the ideal partner for supporting Africans in building and strengthening democratic institutions and the type of business environments which attract investment that foster economic growth.

The fact is that a more prosperous and democratic Africa offers enormous commercial and trade opportunities for the United States. As the global economy becomes increasingly intertwined and Africa represents a larger share of global trade, I firmly believe that American companies can and should have deeper ties to the continent, which can also lead to our values and way of doing business becoming the standard in Africa.

American businesses put an emphasis on the rule of law, transparency, recourse for investors, and a level playing field. Our companies also prioritize training and employing Africans for the jobs they should be doing in their countries. This operating model is the underlying secret to our entrepreneurial culture and thriving economy.

As we look to Africa’s future and try to ensure the youth bulge is an asset for the continent rather than a hindrance, it is important to keep several critical factors in mind:
  • The growing number of young people requires an exponential increase in jobs;
  • Job creation requires growing economies driven in part by increasing foreign direct investment;
  • Foreign companies won’t invest in the absence of a welcoming investment climate, a level playing field, and an educated work force; and
  • Finally, African governments which are most open to partnership with the private sector, especially U.S. business, will reap the benefits of knowledge transfers and skills building among their people.
My career has shown me the enormous potential and abundant opportunities for Africa’s future. As Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, I will be guided by my overarching belief that we must look at Africa through the windshield, and not through a rear view mirror.

I call on U.S. business to take on this challenge as well, and for those with little or no experience on the continent to embrace the vast opportunities that Africa offers. I am deeply humbled that President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo are entrusting me with the honor of leading the Bureau of African Affairs, and helping lead our engagements in Africa at this most crucial time in the continent’s history.

Two New African Ambassadors Credentialed at the White House



AMIP News
Washington, DC
October 1, 2018

On September 17, 2018, two new African Ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to President Trump at an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House.
They are:
  • His Excellency Philip Jada Natana, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan
  • His Excellency Martial Ndoubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic
The presentation of credentials is a traditional ceremony that marks the formal beginning of an Ambassador’s service in Washington.

New Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Sworn In

Photo: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Nagy Swearing-in Ceremony
09/21/2018 12:16 PM EDT

Remarks
Tibor P. Nagy, Jr.
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
Washington, DC
September 17, 2018

Good afternoon distinguished ladies and gentlemen and thank you Mr. Secretary.

I am grateful for the many friends, family, and colleagues who are here today – literally from around the nation and the world.

And I greatly appreciate the Secretary highlighting the role played by Jane – my wife, partner and best friend for 47 years – without whom I could never have made it through the ranks — she is actually the best diplomat in our family.

A special thanks to the African Ambassadors with whose countries I very much hope the US can strengthen relations even further during my tenure as Assistant Secretary – as well as to other ambassadorial friends who are in Washington so ably representing their nations.

Another special thanks must go to former Assistant Secretaries, who so capably managed this portfolio – I am counting on being able to occasionally tap your wisdom and experience during my tenure.

I must especially thank Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield – whom I am merely following, since she cannot be replaced – and who played a major role in building my enthusiasm for this position. And of course Ambassador Don Yamamoto who so ably led the bureau during the 18-month gap.
I am deeply humbled that the President and Secretary Pompeo are entrusting me with the honor of leading the Bureau of African Affairs, and serving as their representative to Africa at this most crucial time in the Continent’s history.

Africa truly is at a crossroads, and the direction it takes will have a major impact – for good or ill – not only on that continent but the rest of the world.

Everyone who follows events in Africa knows that a demographic tsunami is coming between now and 2050 – when the Continent will double its population to over 2 billion.

And these millions and millions of young people will have exactly the same aspirations – thanks to modern technology – as young people elsewhere in the world.

Africa’s leaders understand that their most critical role is to create meaningful jobs for their youth.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles, a thoughtful visionary told me during our last meeting back in 2003, “If we don’t give these young people jobs, they will wash away our governments.”

The importance of this point was so well articulated by President Kenyatta during his recent visit to Washington, when he enthusiastically invited the American business community to invest in Kenya – because he and other enlightened African leaders know that US businesses bring with them high quality products and services which create employment opportunities — and not debt.

Of course, unlike some other countries, with their State controlled enterprises, the U.S. government cannot simply order American businesses to invest in Africa.

So it is African governments that must provide the type of environments that attract serious business investments — which will create jobs and not simply extract commodities.

Building this type of environment means providing a stable and open political space, corruption free institutions and processes, fair and equal treatment of all investors, and most importantly, developing each nation’s greatest resource – its own people – by providing all of them with the universal rights, freedoms, and opportunities endowed by our Creator.

Those who know me well know of my deep love for Africa and Africans. During whatever time I have as Assistant Secretary I promise to work enthusiastically to find ways to support those countries which seek to better the lives of their own people; whether in partnership with USAID Administrator Mark Green – another great friend of Africa – whose “journey to self-reliance” is exactly the type of partnership program the developing world needs; or by helping recruit US businesses to invest in Africa.

And there is another American sector which can play a crucial role in helping develop Africa’s human resources which I’d like to mention – U.S. higher education (and there are a number of U.S. universities represented here today). America’s universities are the world’s best, and they are eager to collaborate with your countries’ educational institutions in ways which will greatly benefit everyone.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me close by emphasizing that the United States of America cares greatly about Africa, its future, and our engagement with the nations of the Continent.

This was reinforced to me during my preparatory meetings for this position with all branches of our Government, and my subsequent discussions with the Secretary and other high-level officials.

I can assure you that if I had any hesitation on this matter I would not be standing here before you.

As we go forward I ask for your continued prayers and support, not so much for my success – but for Africa’s success in taking the road which leads to peace, stability and prosperity –now and for its future generations.

And I ask each of you to look at Africa a new way “through the windshield, and not the rearview mirror” as a continent of promise and opportunity; not problems.

Thank you again for being here, may God bless each and every one of you, may God bless the United States of America, and may God bless Africa.

_________________________________________________________________________

Tibor P. Nagy, Jr.

Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs

 
Ambassador Nagy, a retired career Foreign Service Officer, spent 32 years in government service, including over 20 years in assignments across Africa. He served as the United States Ambassador to Ethiopia (1999-2002), United States Ambassador to Guinea (1996-1999) as well as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria (1993-1995), Cameroon (1990-1993), and Togo (1987-1990). Previous assignments include Zambia, the Seychelles, Ethiopia, and Washington, DC.

Ambassador Nagy has received numerous awards from the U.S. Department of State in recognition of his service, including commendations for helping prevent famine in Ethiopia; supporting the evacuation of Americans from Sierra Leone during a violent insurrection; supporting efforts to end the Ethiopian-Eritrean War; and managing the United States Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria during political and economic crises.

Following his retirement from the Foreign Service, Ambassador Nagy served as Vice Provost for International Affairs at Texas Tech University from 2003 – 2018. During that time he lectured nationally on Africa, foreign policy, international development, and U.S. diplomacy, in addition to serving as a regular op-ed contributor to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal newspaper on global events. He co-authored “Kiss Your Latte Goodbye: Managing Overseas Operations,” nonfiction winner of the 2014 Paris Book Festival.

Ambassador Nagy arrived in the United States in 1957 as a political refugee from Hungary; he received his B.A. from Texas Tech University and M.S.A. from George Washington University.

Africa Braintrust



Africa Braintrust
09/18/2018 02:46 PM EDT

Remarks
Tibor P. Nagy, Jr.
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference
Washington, DC
September 14, 2018

Representative Bass, distinguished guests, scholars, colleagues, and friends.

I’m honored to be in the company of so many friends of Africa.

And I am especially pleased to have been invited to this event by Representative Bass, one of the most dedicated and consistent voices for sustained, positive engagement with Africa that we have on the Hill.

Representative Bass, I salute the work you are doing in bringing together policy experts, members of the African Diaspora communities and senior government officials to focus America’s attention on this very dynamic and important part of the world.

Africa is incredibly important to me. I’m Hungarian by birth; American by citizenship and education; but I gave my heart to Africa shortly after I arrived there in 1978.

Truth be told, while I’m a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate, the person who made me really want to pursue this position is Linda Thomas-Greenfield, someone well known to this audience and a true leader on all things Africa. I’d like to recognize her and my other immediate predecessors in this role, including Jendayi Frazier, Johnnie Carson, and most recently, in an acting capacity, the indefatigable Don Yamamoto.

Those of you who know Africa know the incredibly smart, dedicated, and talented individuals who work in the Bureau of African Affairs. I’m grateful to be back in their company and humbled at the chance to come back into what is truly a family.

I’ve had innumerable and wonderful experiences living and working in Africa for over 22 years in 8 postings, as has my own family.

My wife Jane became deeply involved in worthwhile causes at our postings, and our children were the first triplets born in an independent Zimbabwe. This has become a family business for us – my son Peter and his wife Amanda are enjoying their third posting on the continent, and hope to spend their careers there.

I am delighted to see that this Africa Braintrust gathering is highlighting the diversity of Africa and the demographic trends – really, a demographic tsunami – that is profoundly shaping the continent.

I couldn’t agree more with the critical importance of focusing on youth and the youth bulge that will surely transform not only Africa’s political and economic landscapes, but that of the globe.

It may well be one of the most significant demographic events in human history – and the steps we take now will determine whether it’s for good or ill.

As you are probably aware, over 60 percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa, more than 600 million young people, is below the age of 25, and this population also represents three-fifths of the region’s unemployed. Even more are under-employed.

And these young Africans with few prospects, see no future in their countries and are more likely to embark on the dangerous route of migrating to Europe, joining militant groups, or engaging in criminal activities.

Unless we harness the entrepreneurial spirit and dynamism of young Africans and help create the jobs and opportunities that will anchor them to their countries, we will see more African brain drain and young people risking their lives to get to Europe.

One thing is certain – because of modern technology, young Africans have exactly the same dreams as young people everywhere – and they should!

Recent events have made me even more of an Afro-Optimist than before – and the good news goes on. The young Africans I have met since returning to Washington, including this year’s Young African Leader Initiative’s Mandela Washington Fellows, continue to be exceptional. I have been inspired by their enthusiasm, their civic-mindedness, and the high levels of achievement and potential they have already attained.

So while nothing ever seems certain in Washington, I can assure you of my firm commitment to YALI – one of America’s best public diplomacy tools. Consider a few highlights:
  • There are now 3,700 alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa. They represent the rising generation of new leaders and entrepreneurs with new visions for the future.
  • Over 10,000 alumni of the four YALI regional centers and two satellite centers in Africa are also honing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
  • The on-line YALI Network now comprises more than 500,000 young leaders from across the continent who are connecting with each other via social media and through direct engagement in their communities. The YALI Network platforms help these young leaders learn from each other and spur change.
    • More than 150 YALI Network members hosted community service activities on Mandela Day 2018. Network members are also connecting every day to share knowledge. For example, Brian Magwaro, a 2014 Mandela Washington Fellow from Kenya, created a YALI Network chapter in Kisimu to share what he learned and to address challenges and opportunities in his community.
    • And Chukwuma Okenwa mobilizes youth across Nigeria around the themes of democracy and peaceful elections through his YALI Network connections.
Let’s be clear. These are connections fueled by young people. These are not networks created by the older generation. I’m so inspired by their faith and hope for their futures, and I’m committed to continuing this important engagement.

Of course African governments have the most crucial role to play in helping the younger generation succeed, and I will do all I can to ensure the United States continues to provide helpful support. As we look to Africa’s future and try to ensure the youth bulge is a boost for the continent rather than a hindrance, it is important to keep several critical factors in mind:
  •  The growing number of young people requires an exponential increase in jobs;
  • Jobs require growing economies driven in part by increasing foreign direct investment;
  • And responsible foreign companies won’t invest in the absence of political stability, good governance and a welcoming investment climate based on fairness and transparency.
Since my arrival in Washington six weeks ago, I have emphasized two key priorities I intend to focus on during my tenure as Assistant Secretary that I believe will be helpful in the face of Africa’s demographic trends.

One, I want to encourage many more U.S. businesses to pursue commercial opportunities in Africa; American firms have a good record of developing local talent, employing Africans for jobs that Africans can and should be doing, creating opportunities for women, and ensuring worker safety

And, two, I want to continue to do all we can to help African states develop ways to provide the type of environment beneficial to their own people and attractive to global investors.

This is why it’s so important to have gatherings like the Africa Braintrust. I need your help and insights, we need your support and expertise, as we think about the best ways to engage on the continent.

The African diaspora plays a vital role in helping to strengthen the connections between the United States and our partners on the continent. Members of the African diaspora, which includes African Americans and the array of Afro decedents from around the globe, are eager to engage with the continent and have a voice that should be heard, most importantly by the U.S. government.

This CBC Foundation’s keen focus on Africa and well attended events like today are part of what I hope will be a growing wave of support for African issues. Let us work together to galvanize interest about Africa and set a bold agenda for developing a new paradigm for U.S.-Africa relations.

Over the course of my career, I have found tremendous interest in, and support for, U.S.-African engagement across the entire U.S. government. Similarly, and I think Representative Bass would agree, our engagement in Africa is one of the few issues that enjoy strong bipartisan support in Congress.

By mobilizing all of these forces together I know that we can do much, much more!

As it is said in Swahili: “Unity is strength; division is weakness.” Or, as the Bondei say: “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.”

Thank you again for the privilege of sharing a few thoughts today. I am honored to be here and excited to collaborate with all of you as we work together to promote a more secure and prosperous future for all Africans. Thank you.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

US National Interests in Developments in Ethiopia

Photo: C-SPAN

Statement by Assistant Secretary Tibor Nagy, Bureau of African Affairs

“U.S. National Interests in Developments in Ethiopia”

House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations

Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 2:00PM

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Bass, and Members of the Committee,

Thank you for the invitation to testify today on U.S. national interests in recent developments in Ethiopia.

I also wanted to take the opportunity of this hearing—my first before you—to address Eritrea, and the regional significance of the improving relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

As a former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, this topic is of great importance to me personally, so it is a real pleasure to be here with you today.

Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member Bass, I also want to thank you for your recent trip to Ethiopia. I greatly appreciate the focus the Congress has on this region, which I believe is very important for our national interests, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss recent developments with the Subcommittee.

Allow me to open our time today with some thematic remarks on recent developments.

ETHIOPIA
In Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has initiated groundbreaking reforms across most every area of Ethiopian society since becoming Prime Minister on April 2, 2018. He deserves tremendous credit for his boldness in tackling issues that previous governments have not addressed.

We have a strong relationship with the highest reaches of the new administration, which reflects not only our century-long diplomatic relations with Ethiopia – the only country in Sub Saharan Africa that was never colonized – but also our great support for Dr. Abiy’s reform vision.

Implementing this reform vision is not without its challenges, and to make such broad and rapid changes will require reinforcing the foundation for the relationship between the Ethiopian people and government.

We have seen Dr.Abiy do so, actively engaging with the public to support his government as it works to implement reforms. In July he came to the United States to meet with Ethiopian diaspora members, many of whom are enthusiastic participants in our own electoral process and care greatly for their homeland. Dr. Abiy has also taken dramatic steps to end the former government’s repression of civil liberties, inviting a diversity of voices – including many who were previously criminalized – to participate in Ethiopia’s future.

Yet strengthening institutions, setting the economy on a firm footing, and restoring stability to areas facing humanitarian disaster and ethnic conflict will not be done overnight. The expectations of the Ethiopian people are also incredibly high, and many of them are young. We estimate that there are around 70 million Ethiopians younger than 30, many of whom have participated in protests in recent years due to frustrations with corruption and the lack of economic opportunity.

The Ethiopian government has openly sought partnership with the United States to achieve its ambitious reform plans. We have a tremendous opportunity to support Ethiopia as a friend and partner in the process. We are working to provide support to Dr. Abiy and his administration across all of these challenges as he continues his work in years ahead.

PEACE BETWEEN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA

Looking more broadly at regional issues, we enthusiastically welcomed Dr. Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki working together to end 20 years of conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. There is still much work to do to repair the consequences of the conflict for the peoples of both Eritrea and Ethiopia, especially in border regions. But we have already seen a tremendous outpouring of emotion on both sides supporting peace, and both governments have highlighted the positive consequences this will bring for the entire Horn of Africa.

We support both sides as they explore possibilities for peace, and continue to encourage and support their long-term success. But guaranteeing the full benefits of peace for years to come will depend on the strength of all parties’ efforts to restore friendship and prosperity to both countries, and this must be done as inclusively as possible, including with other important partners in the region and beyond.

Since Eritrea’s mid-June decision to send a delegation to Ethiopia, there have been several meetings between the two governments’ officials in Asmara, Addis Ababa, and capitals across the Horn of Africa to discuss trade, development, and tourism. So far, the public and tangible examples of improved relations are the reopening of telephone service and the resumption of regular flights between both countries. Eritrea is also expanding capacity at the Port of Massawa for use by Ethiopia, and it was just announced early in September that an Ethiopian commercial vessel used the Port of Massawa for the first outbound shipment on an Ethiopian vessel since the peace agreement.

We anticipate that these and other steps will create the potential for greater development and people-to-people ties on both sides of the border.

ERITREA
Peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea leads us to another remarkable story: Eritrea’s re-emergence onto the regional and global stage, and the many potential opportunities for the United States stemming from regional peace.

With Ethiopia and Eritrea’s conflict ending, we see strong potential for Eritrea’s contributions to improving regional security. Eritrea has resisted extremist threats, and could provide lessons to others on how to maintain a diversity of communities free from violent extremism. Eritrea can also contribute to regional peace and stability, as we have seen with Eritrea’s engagement with Somalia and South Sudan, and Eritrea’s role brokering agreements among Ethiopian opposition groups.
Eritrea, which has a strong tradition of self-sufficiency and independence, could also promote a stronger regional approach to countering potentially malign influence of global competitors operating in the region. Nonetheless, we still have significant concerns in our bilateral relations with Eritrea that we will continue to highlight in days ahead.

Eritrea currently continues to imprison several of our Embassy’s Locally Employed Staff members for politically motivated reasons. We have also raised concerns about the detention of American citizens who are detained for the same reasons. Though Eritrea has regularly asserted that it has no substantive relationship with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), Eritrea has not fully explained certain past arms procurement transactions between Eritrea and the DPRK that the UN Panel of Experts reported. Broader human rights concerns such as indefinite, obligatory national service; the arbitrary detention of religious and political prisoners; and a tightly controlled, opaque system of government also hinder our scope for cooperation.

The United States has deliberately engaged with Eritrea in recent months with both these opportunities and concerns in full view, and we will continue to do so. Although we have already seen many gains from peace, which the President and the Secretary of State have both hailed publicly, further progress will require more action on some of these priority issues in Eritrea.

Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.

Sec. Pompeo Meets Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita

Photo: State Department

Sec. Pompeo Meets Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita

Readout
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 17, 2018

The statement below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nasser Bourita. They discussed opportunities to expand our strong economic and security cooperation, including shared efforts to end Iran’s support for terrorism and counter its malign influence in the region. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Bourita agreed to hold the next session of the U.S.-Morocco Strategic Dialogue in Washington next year. They also discussed other regional and international issues.

US Companies in Africa Win 2018 Secretary of State’s ACE



Winners for the 2018 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence
09/12/2018 01:11 PM EDT

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 12, 2018

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs is pleased to announce the two winners for the 2018 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). The winners will be presented with the award in a ceremony on October 5, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. EDT at the State Department.

Established in 1999, the award recognizes U.S. companies that represent American values well in their business practices worldwide. Each of these companies is contributing to the growth and sustainable development of the local economies in which they work. In 2018, the ACE categories include: Sustainable Operations and Women’s Economic Empowerment.

The winners for this year are:

Award for Corporate Excellence in Sustainable Operations: PVH Corp. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
PVH Corp., one of the largest apparel companies in the world, was the lead investor in a model industrial park in Hawassa, Ethiopia. The park features state-of-the-art fabric mills and apparel factories powered by renewable energy, beside a zero liquid discharge treatment plant. This industrial park expects to provide approximately 60,000 Ethiopians with work over the coming years. Currently, more than 80 percent of the employees are women, providing valuable opportunities given the country’s high female youth unemployment rate. The ultimate goal for PVH’s model industrial park is to provide a better future not only for the workers and their families, but also to inspire responsible industrialization across Ethiopia for the betterment of its entire population and the creation of a new market for U.S. goods.

Award for Corporate Excellence in Women’s Economic Empowerment: Alaffia (Lome, Togo)
Alaffia alleviates poverty and advances gender equality through the fair trade of indigenous resources from West Africa to produce health and beauty products for the global market. Alaffia directly employs over 700 women in rural Togo, paying salaries that are four times the average family income, and contracts with more than 11,000 women as suppliers. Founded as a social enterprise, Alaffia dedicates 15 percent of its fair trade sales to community projects in rural Togo to improve maternal and child health, promote education, and protect the environment.

The Department of State is committed to working with companies to further responsible business practices worldwide and to recognize their efforts to improve lives at home and abroad. For more information, please visit: http://www.state.gov/ace.

US Issues Statement on Attack in Libya



Attack on Libya’s National Oil Corporation
09/10/2018 09:13 PM EDT

Press Statement
Heather Nauert
Department of State Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 10, 2018

The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack against Libya’s National Oil Corporation in Tripoli, an assault against one of the country’s most vital economic institutions. We offer condolences to the families of the victims and wish a quick recovery for those injured. We commend the efforts of the Government of National Accord to restore security and ensure that the National Oil Corporation is able to fulfill its mandate on behalf of all Libyans.

We stand in solidarity with the National Oil Corporation and all Libyans as they fight against terrorism and for a better and prosperous future. Libyan oil facilities, production, and revenues belong to the Libyan people. The National Oil Corporation and all sovereign state institutions must be allowed to work on behalf of all Libyans, free of threat and intimidation. Libya’s oil resources must remain under the exclusive control of the legitimate National Oil Corporation and the sole oversight of the Government of National Accord, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolutions 2259 (2015), 2278 (2016), and 2362 (2017).

Thursday, September 13, 2018

U.S. Delegation To Attend Kofi Annan’s Funeral in Accra, Ghana

Photo: Kofi Annan, Facebook

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 11, 2018

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea L. Thompson will lead a U.S. delegation to the September 13, 2018 funeral of former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan.

The U.S. delegation will pay respect to Kofi Annan’s manifold contributions to the international community and underscore the U.S. commitment to a strong partnership with Ghana.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Sec. Pompeo Issues Statement on Eswatini’s National Day



Department of State
Washington, DC
September 6, 2018

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations on the 50th anniversary of Eswatini’s independence.

I applaud the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini’s commitment to the health of its people, as Eswatini continues its work to control HIV/AIDS and achieve its goal of an AIDS-free generation. I also commend the government on the important steps it took which led to Eswatini’s reinstatement under the African Growth and Opportunity Act earlier this year. The United States recognizes the importance of our partnership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and stands ready to help the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini make full use of its AGOA eligibility.

As Eswatini celebrates a half-century of independence, I wish the people of Eswatini a prosperous, healthy, and peaceful future.

US Department of State Inaugurates New Regional Antiterrorism Training Facility in Senegal

File Photo

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
September 6, 2018

The Department of State and the Government of Senegal today inaugurated a new regional counterterrorism training facility in Thiès, Senegal.

U.S. and Senegalese officials formally dedicated the new Regional Tactical Training Center, which was funded, constructed, and equipped through the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program. The new center is ATA’s first regional training facility in West Africa.

Once fully operational, the training center, part of a pre-existing Senegalese training facility, will expand ATA’s capacity to train Senegalese and other West African partner nation law enforcement officers at this regional counterterrorism training hub. ATA will provide training in hard skills such as crisis response, explosive incident countermeasures, post-blast investigations, and rural border patrol operations.

The ATA program has been delivering counterterrorism training in Senegal since 1985. The new training center further cements our relationship and underscores the continued close partnership that the United States has with Senegal in advancing the counterterrorism capacities of law enforcement agencies in the region.

For more information on the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program, please visit: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/protection/terrorism/c8583.htm.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship To Hold Conference in South Africa



Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Marks 40th Anniversary With Alumni Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa
09/06/2018 10:44 AM EDT

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC

September 6, 2018

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program will celebrate 40 years of bringing international professionals to the United States to engage in study and collaborate with U.S. counterparts at “African Humphrey Voices: Building a Better Future for Our Continent.” a Pan-African alumni conference Sept. 14-16, 2018, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The three-day event will focus on economic development and good governance and will acknowledge the legacy of the nearly 6,000 Fellows and Alumni and the communities enriched by them.

Founded in 1978 in honor of the late Senator and Vice President, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides a year of professional enrichment and leadership development in the United States for mid-career professionals from countries across the developing world. The Humphrey Program fosters a mutual exchange of knowledge, builds professional capacity, promotes lasting ties, and enhances international cooperation.

Each year approximately 150 Fellows, funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, engage in graduate-level non-degree study and related professional experiences at leading U.S. universities in fields critical to U.S. relations with the developing world. The program now has a network of nearly 6,000 fellows and alumni in 162 countries around the world working to improve their communities.

The Humphrey Program was launched as a Presidential initiative in 1978. Over the next year, the State Department, working closely with the Institute of International Education, aims to acknowledge the extraordinary professional achievements and impact of Humphrey alumni during the Fellowship’s first 40 years through a series of events around the world. The Humphrey Program begins its anniversary events in Johannesburg in recognition that thirty percent of all Humphrey alumni are from Sub-Saharan Africa, the largest regional concentration in the world.

For press inquiries, please contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at ECA-Press@state.gov. Learn more about the Humphrey Program by visiting http://www.humphreyfellowship.org/. Join the conversation about the conference and the 40th anniversary on social media using the hashtag #Humphrey40.

DC Celebrates African Heritage Month



The DC Mayor’s office on African Affairs issued this proclamation for African Heritage Month.

President Kenyatta Meets President Trump

Photo: White House

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

August 27, 2018

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AND PRESIDENT KENYATTA OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA IN EXPANDED BILATERAL MEETING

Cabinet Room
2:13 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, thank you very much.  We are with President Kenyatta of a wonderful country that we do a lot of business with, Kenya.  One of the most beautiful countries, from what I understand, Mr. President.

We have lots of pictures and lots of people that tell me how beautiful your country is.  And we do a lot of tourism.  We do a lot of trade.  And we do a lot of defense and security.  And we’re working very much on security right now.  And I appreciate you very much being with us and your staff.  This is really great.  Your representatives have been dealing with our representatives and making a lot of progress.  We’re talking about a very major highway/roadway.  And that seems to be going along well.  That’s a very important project, I think, for your country.

And so we appreciate, very much, you being at the White House and being with us.  And we look forward to the discussion.

Thank you very much.

PRESIDENT KENYATTA:  Thank you very much.  And thank you for your warm welcome.  As you said, we’ve had strong relations that stretch back — all the way back to our own independence.  And we are here to cement that partnership.  We are here to strengthen the support we have received as a country, especially with regards to our security and defense cooperation has been immense.

I had a good opportunity to speak with Mike, both in his former capacity and his current capacity.  (Laughter.)  And we work very well together, and I want to take this opportunity to appreciate that.

But more importantly, even as we work on these aspects, what’s most important and what makes our country survive is the trade and investment partnership.  I mean, this is really what we should work to deepen much more as we go forward.

So I’m really looking forward to this discussion, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we take our relationship now to the next level —

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Good.

PRESIDENT KENYATTA:  — for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, you are here on a very special day because the stock market is up almost 300 points today.  We just signed a trade agreement with Mexico, and it’s a terrific agreement for everybody.  It’s been in the works for a long time.  It’s an agreement that a lot of people said couldn’t be done, and we did something, and it was very special.  Great for our farmers, our workers.

And our stock market just broke 26,000 for the first time ever in the history.  So today we have the highest stock price we’ve ever had.  And we’re very happy about that.  I said that was going to happen and it’s happened.  Everything I said is going to happen, it ends up happening.

So you picked a good day to come.  (Laughter.)  We’re in a very good mood.

PRESIDENT KENYATTA:  Well, let’s hope you’re going to transfer some of that into Kenya.  (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We’ll bring that over to Kenya.  (Laughter.)  Thank you very much, everybody.  I appreciate it.  Thank you.  Thank you.


END                2:16 P.M. EDT


—–

Joint Statement from President Donald J. Trump and President Uhuru Kenyatta


THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2018

Joint Statement from President Donald J. Trump and President Uhuru Kenyatta

President Donald J. Trump welcomed President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya to the White House today.  In marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Kenya, and in recognition of the growing scope and depth of the engagements between the two countries, the leaders resolved to elevate the relationship to a Strategic Partnership, affirming it as a cornerstone of peace, stability and good governance in Africa and the Indian Ocean region.  This United States– Kenya Strategic Partnership will include an annual dialogue to advance mutual prosperity.

President Trump commended the Kenya Defence Forces for their service and sacrifice in combatting al-Shabaab and ISIS in Somalia.  President Trump also lauded Kenya for taking a leading role in the East African fight against terrorism and for its sustained dedication to this effort.  The leaders reaffirmed and strengthened their commitment to continued counterterrorism cooperation against violent extremists who seek to take innocent lives and deny fundamental human rights.  To further enhance this counterterrorism collaboration, President Trump welcomed Kenya’s decision to join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.  President Trump also thanked President Kenyatta for his diplomatic efforts to bring peace to South Sudan and to the region more widely.

The leaders pledged to deepen defense and security cooperation, building on the recent acquisition of military equipment made in the United States and committed to further enhance Kenya Defence Forces capabilities.  Further, the United States pledged to strengthen Kenya’s national disaster and crisis response capacity.

President Kenyatta thanked President Trump for the United States’ continued support of the Kenyatta administration’s efforts towards greater accountability, transparency, and institution building.  As democracies committed to a rules-based international order, the United States and Kenya share a common vision for free and open societies. This includes global freedom of navigation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The leaders committed to expand their economic cooperation aimed at making their nations stronger and their citizens more prosperous.  In this regard, President Trump thanked President Kenyatta for hosting the United States delegation of the Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa.  To further enhance the economic partnership, the two leaders agreed to establish a United States–Kenya Trade and Investment Working Group to explore ways to deepen ties between the two countries.  Further, the Presidents are pleased to announce that their governments established direct flights between Nairobi and New York City, a move that will expand the economic and cultural ties between the two great countries.

Recognizing the importance of high-quality infrastructure, President Trump and President Kenyatta welcomed the proposal by United States engineering and construction firm Bechtel Corporation to build a modern superhighway from Nairobi to Mombasa. Both sides agreed to undertake further consultations to conclude the terms of the financing agreement.

This and nearly $900 million in other commercial deals and engagements announced during the visit are expected to create thousands of American and Kenyan jobs, further enhancing the prosperity and economic competitiveness of both nations.

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