In a press statement released on January 18, 2024, Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller announced Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s upcoming travel to Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola from January 21 to 26, 2024.
During the tour, Secretary Blinken aims to underscore the intensified U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, with a particular focus on collaborations in climate, food, and health security.
The Secretary will highlight the United States’ commitment to a forward-looking economic partnership, showcasing investments in African infrastructure to stimulate two-way trade, foster job creation, and enhance Africa’s competitiveness in the global market.
Moreover, Secretary Blinken will actively promote security partnerships grounded in shared values such as respect for human rights, democracy promotion, and the expansion of the rule of law.
He is set to reiterate the U.S. commitment to coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, emphasizing collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges.
The Secretary will also address U.S. efforts in supporting African leadership to de-escalate tensions and seek diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
