US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit seven African countries next month to “highlight” the priority President Barack Obama places on the continent, her spokesman said Monday.
Following Obama’s own visit to Ghana on July 12, Clinton will travel August 5 to Kenya, the birthplace of Obama’s father, before traveling to South Africa, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Liberia and Cape Verde, spokesman Ian Kelly said.
Announcing her visit, the U.S. State Department said that in Kenya, Clinton will focus on the linkages between investment and economic growth as well as opportunities provided to African countries through the U.S. law, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The department said in a press release that in Nigeria and Liberia, Clinton "will bring close attention to the Obama administration’s commitment to helping nations around the world implement self-sufficient and sustainable food security." It added that Clinton will call for stronger African links with global markets and knowledge networks.
Her visit will underline the commitment of the U.S. to work with governments, the private sector, NGOs and private citizens to build societies where each individual can realize their potential, the department added.
She will be joined in Kenya by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, and the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson. Clinton will deliver a speech at the ministerial opening ceremony of this year’s AGOA Forum, participate in bilateral meetings with Kenya’s senior leaders and engage with members of civil society.
Source: AHU – David A-O