U.S. Department of State, update (part 1)

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Correia e Silva 01/22/2024 08:09 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva today in Praia.  Secretary Blinken congratulated Prime Minister Correia e Silva on Cabo Verde’s malaria-free certification by the World Health Organization and its selection as eligible to develop a Millennium Challenge Corporation compact for the purpose of regional economic integration.  The Secretary and the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Cabo Verde partnership for advancing security and prosperity in the Atlantic Basin, West Africa, and around the world.  The Secretary welcomed the shared values between the United States and Cabo Verde in promoting democracy, good governance, and human rights. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Cabo Verde Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken and Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva Before Their Meeting

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken and Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva Before Their Meeting 01/22/2024 08:32 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva Praia, Cabo Verde PRIME MINISTER SILVA: (Via interpreter) Good morning, Your Excellency Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  Welcome to Cabo Verde.  A special visit of yours to Cabo Verde, to the city of Praia, strengthens our excellent relations between Cabo Verde and United States of America.  This visit to four African countries that begins in Cabo Verde is an example of the Biden administration’s genuine interest in win-win partnerships with Africa. Cabo Verde is a longstanding and consistent partner of the U.S.  We have a diaspora of thousands of American Cape Verdeans, Cape Verdean American citizens who are proud of their origins.  We share values of democracy, good governance, respect for human rights, and a defense of human dignity. History, diaspora, and values are the foundations of our relations.  That’s why they are strong in structure.  In general, Cape Verde’s foreign relations are guided by the values of liberal democracy, international law, and multilateralism, and by predictability, consistency, and trust in our partnerships.  It is based on these references that we strongly condemn Russians’ – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we condemned the terrorist act of Hamas in Israel, and we defend solutions that make the two states of Israel and Palestine viable.  We condemn coup d’etat and changes to constitutional term limits for presidents of the republic that have occurred in Africa.  We clearly and explicitly define the U.S.A., Brazil, the united European Union, and the UK as strategic partners for cooperative security and defense. In relation to our partnership, I would like to express my gratitude for your support in the fight against COVID-19.  Vaccines have been decisive in the good fight we have waged against COVID.  As a demonstration of this, Cape Verde is one of the higher – has one of the higher rates of vaccination, and we are thankful for the quick and consistent response of the U.S.A. To recognize another Millennium Challenge Account compact is an important distinction for Cape Verde (inaudible) to underline the important investment in the construction of the new embassy of the United States in Cabo Verde, specifically in the city of Praia, and underlined the important investment in the construction of the U.S. embassy. We recognize the partnership program with the National Guard of the state of New Hampshire in the training and technical assistance of our coast guard.  I personally witnessed this partnership.  We want to strengthen our relations in terms of (inaudible) diplomatic dialogue of attracting investment and exports, training, science and technology, and the spread of the English language for the development of our country.  The massification of the English language is strategic for developing the potential of tourism; business; technological, scientific, and academic connectivity in a country open to the world and with a high level of economic freedom.  In this sense, we would like to have the Peace Corps return to Cabo Verde. We believe that partnership for development and cooperative security should go hand in hand.  It is in our common interest for the developed countries and partners.  We would like to strengthen our partnership with the U.S. in maritime security and cyber security from a regional, global perspective – the structured, predictable, and sustained partnership.  We have good topics for conversation during our work (inaudible).  Thank you, and I’ll give you the floor. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Prime Minister, thank you for the incredible warmth of your welcome, and I also mean that literally.  We’ve just come from the snows of Washington, D.C. to quite literally the warmth of Cabo Verde.  We’re so delighted to be here. (Interruption.) Very good.  Thank you.  As you said, Mr. Prime Minister, we are here on the first day of a trip that takes us from Cabo Verde to Côte d’Ivoire and then on to Nigeria and finally to Angola, and this trip – and by the way, I believe the last time a secretary of state was in Cabo Verde was more than 20 years ago with Secretary Powell, and I’m thrilled to follow in his footsteps.  But we’re here in Cabo Verde, in Africa because, as President Biden has said, our futures are linked, our prosperity is linked, our people are linked.  And African voices increasingly are shaping, animating, and leading the world in conversation. The United States is committed to deepening, to strengthening, to broadening our partnerships across Africa, partnerships that benefit Africans and Americans alike.  As President Biden has said, we are all in when it comes to Africa.  But I have to tell you there’s a good reason that we’re starting here in Cabo Verde, and that’s because you have been and you are a remarkable partner for the United States.  And as you’ve said, Prime Minister, this is a partnership that is based fundamentally on shared values as well as shared interests, and also a deep history together.  Assistant Secretary Phee was just telling me of a Cabo Verdean who played a prominent role in our own Civil War, and we have so much history since then, and very strong communities of Cabo Verdeans in the United States who contribute in remarkable ways to our country. But in our own relationship, I believe that the work we’ve already done and that we can build on in terms of our economic partnership is absolutely critical.  It is extraordinary that Cabo Verde is the first country to complete two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts, and now you’re starting to build a third one.  I’m deeply honored that we were able through one of the compacts to make substantial investments in the port here of Praia, and that’s had manifest benefits for the port.  In fact, I look forward to visiting it a little while later. We’ll have a lot on our agenda, as you’ve suggested.  One of the things that we’ll focus on, health and health security – I have to congratulate you on the malaria -free certification for Cabo Verde, which is also a remarkable achievement.  But along with health, along, of course, with climate, which we know animates your government and animates our partnership, I have to also tell you that for the United States, Cabo Verde is truly a beacon of stability in the region at a time when there is more than our share of instability and challenge.  And, of course, that goes well beyond the region of West Africa.  We see it in different parts of the world.  But the work that you’ve done – and we’ve been proud to partner with you – for example, on law enforcement, on drug interdiction, seizing more than 30 tons of cocaine in recent years, has been very significant.  And beyond that, in our own partnership, working with you on your coast guard, restoring vessels, as well as strong packages to support U.S.-built aircraft here in Cabo Verde that are so critical to maintaining maritime domain awareness, making sure that, for a country that is 99 percent sea, that you have a complete picture of what’s happening around you. You also noted and I must underscore as well the global issues where we’ve been partnered.  I have to thank you, thank you for deeply, for the strong, principled voice Cabo Verde has brought to international conversations, international discussions, international work at the United Nations and beyond.  We see this in some of the very difficult issues that you’ve tackled from a place of principle, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.  We’re also building partnerships that are founded in multilateral work in other critical ways that will really be to the benefit of Cabo Verdeans and Americans alike – our new Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, where Cabo Verde is playing a leading role, and we are grateful for that – and then, as I mentioned as well, a strong voice around the world on climate, because you know better than so many the effects both now and potential when it comes to climate change.  But building a blue economy – that too is I think a very powerful part of our partnership. Prime Minister, you said something very powerful that I just want to repeat, and that is that your true source of wealth, of richness is in the peace, security, stability, and democracy that Cabo Verde enjoys.  And we want to leverage those strengths to the benefit of Cabo Verdeans but also Americans and, in fact, the entire world.  So it’s in that spirit that we’re here today – a spirit of partnership, a spirit of admiration for the work that you’ve done, and a determination to do even more together between the United States and Cabo Verde.  We’re grateful for your welcome, your hospitality.  And of course – I saved the best for last – congratulations on making the knockout round in the Africa Cup.  We’ll be looking, we’ll be watching carefully, and – don’t tell anyone – we’re cheering for you.  (Laughter.)  So thank you so much. PRIME MINISTER SILVA:  Thank you. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Cabo Verde Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks Following Visit to Porto de Praia

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks Following Visit to Porto de Praia 01/22/2024 08:48 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Praia, Cabo Verde SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s wonderful to be here in Cabo Verde and the port of Praia.  We start this trip to Africa here in Cabo Verde because it is quite literally a gateway to Africa for countries around the world, including for the United States.  And a big part of that gateway is this port.  One of the things I’m very proud of is the fact that, thanks to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the United States was able to invest significantly in modernizing and upgrading this port so that its capacity was dramatically expanded in terms of the number of ships that it could bring in, the efficiency of the port also dramatically increased so that ships could be processed much more quickly, the storage capacity around the port also built up, and all of that has created an incredibly vibrant place and a much stronger gateway to Africa for us and for so many other countries. We also see that in the fact that this expansion project has produced jobs right here in Cabo Verde.  And we’re also seeing Cabo Verde become increasingly a destination for tourism, for cruise ships, all of that thanks to work that was done in large part through the Millennium Challenge Corporation.  Cabo Verde is the only country in the world to have completed two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts, and now it’s embarking on a third, but a third that will really focus on regional connectivity and on integration and strengthening ties economically among countries in West Africa. So we couldn’t be more pleased and more proud for this partnership with Cabo Verde, and it seems like a very fitting place to start this trip to Africa that’ll take us now to Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and on to Angola.  And it’s further evidence of the fact that, as President Biden said, the United States is all in with Africa.  We see Africa as an essential, critical, central part of our future.  The partnerships between the United States and Africa were a big focus of the work that we did at the Africa Leaders Summit in Washington and, most important, the work that we continue to do ever since that summit in following through on the commitments and the agreements that were made there.  This trip is a big part of that, and it really does focus on President Biden’s commitment and conviction that the United States and Africa are joined in partnership for the future.  So thanks very much and glad to be able to bring you to the port. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Cabo Verde Millennium Challenge Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken and Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva Before Their Meeting

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken and Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva Before Their Meeting 01/22/2024 08:32 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva Praia, Cabo Verde PRIME MINISTER SILVA: (Via interpreter) Good morning, Your Excellency Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  Welcome to Cabo Verde.  A special visit of yours to Cabo Verde, to the city of Praia, strengthens our excellent relations between Cabo Verde and United States of America.  This visit to four African countries that begins in Cabo Verde is an example of the Biden administration’s genuine interest in win-win partnerships with Africa. Cabo Verde is a longstanding and consistent partner of the U.S.  We have a diaspora of thousands of American Cape Verdeans, Cape Verdean American citizens who are proud of their origins.  We share values of democracy, good governance, respect for human rights, and a defense of human dignity. History, diaspora, and values are the foundations of our relations.  That’s why they are strong in structure.  In general, Cape Verde’s foreign relations are guided by the values of liberal democracy, international law, and multilateralism, and by predictability, consistency, and trust in our partnerships.  It is based on these references that we strongly condemn Russians’ – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we condemned the terrorist act of Hamas in Israel, and we defend solutions that make the two states of Israel and Palestine viable.  We condemn coup d’etat and changes to constitutional term limits for presidents of the republic that have occurred in Africa.  We clearly and explicitly define the U.S.A., Brazil, the united European Union, and the UK as strategic partners for cooperative security and defense. In relation to our partnership, I would like to express my gratitude for your support in the fight against COVID-19.  Vaccines have been decisive in the good fight we have waged against COVID.  As a demonstration of this, Cape Verde is one of the higher – has one of the higher rates of vaccination, and we are thankful for the quick and consistent response of the U.S.A. To recognize another Millennium Challenge Account compact is an important distinction for Cape Verde (inaudible) to underline the important investment in the construction of the new embassy of the United States in Cabo Verde, specifically in the city of Praia, and underlined the important investment in the construction of the U.S. embassy. We recognize the partnership program with the National Guard of the state of New Hampshire in the training and technical assistance of our coast guard.  I personally witnessed this partnership.  We want to strengthen our relations in terms of (inaudible) diplomatic dialogue of attracting investment and exports, training, science and technology, and the spread of the English language for the development of our country.  The massification of the English language is strategic for developing the potential of tourism; business; technological, scientific, and academic connectivity in a country open to the world and with a high level of economic freedom.  In this sense, we would like to have the Peace Corps return to Cabo Verde. We believe that partnership for development and cooperative security should go hand in hand.  It is in our common interest for the developed countries and partners.  We would like to strengthen our partnership with the U.S. in maritime security and cyber security from a regional, global perspective – the structured, predictable, and sustained partnership.  We have good topics for conversation during our work (inaudible).  Thank you, and I’ll give you the floor. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Prime Minister, thank you for the incredible warmth of your welcome, and I also mean that literally.  We’ve just come from the snows of Washington, D.C. to quite literally the warmth of Cabo Verde.  We’re so delighted to be here. (Interruption.) Very good.  Thank you.  As you said, Mr. Prime Minister, we are here on the first day of a trip that takes us from Cabo Verde to Côte d’Ivoire and then on to Nigeria and finally to Angola, and this trip – and by the way, I believe the last time a secretary of state was in Cabo Verde was more than 20 years ago with Secretary Powell, and I’m thrilled to follow in his footsteps.  But we’re here in Cabo Verde, in Africa because, as President Biden has said, our futures are linked, our prosperity is linked, our people are linked.  And African voices increasingly are shaping, animating, and leading the world in conversation. The United States is committed to deepening, to strengthening, to broadening our partnerships across Africa, partnerships that benefit Africans and Americans alike.  As President Biden has said, we are all in when it comes to Africa.  But I have to tell you there’s a good reason that we’re starting here in Cabo Verde, and that’s because you have been and you are a remarkable partner for the United States.  And as you’ve said, Prime Minister, this is a partnership that is based fundamentally on shared values as well as shared interests, and also a deep history together.  Assistant Secretary Phee was just telling me of a Cabo Verdean who played a prominent role in our own Civil War, and we have so much history since then, and very strong communities of Cabo Verdeans in the United States who contribute in remarkable ways to our country. But in our own relationship, I believe that the work we’ve already done and that we can build on in terms of our economic partnership is absolutely critical.  It is extraordinary that Cabo Verde is the first country to complete two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts, and now you’re starting to build a third one.  I’m deeply honored that we were able through one of the compacts to make substantial investments in the port here of Praia, and that’s had manifest benefits for the port.  In fact, I look forward to visiting it a little while later. We’ll have a lot on our agenda, as you’ve suggested.  One of the things that we’ll focus on, health and health security – I have to congratulate you on the malaria -free certification for Cabo Verde, which is also a remarkable achievement.  But along with health, along, of course, with climate, which we know animates your government and animates our partnership, I have to also tell you that for the United States, Cabo Verde is truly a beacon of stability in the region at a time when there is more than our share of instability and challenge.  And, of course, that goes well beyond the region of West Africa.  We see it in different parts of the world.  But the work that you’ve done – and we’ve been proud to partner with you – for example, on law enforcement, on drug interdiction, seizing more than 30 tons of cocaine in recent years, has been very significant.  And beyond that, in our own partnership, working with you on your coast guard, restoring vessels, as well as strong packages to support U.S.-built aircraft here in Cabo Verde that are so critical to maintaining maritime domain awareness, making sure that, for a country that is 99 percent sea, that you have a complete picture of what’s happening around you. You also noted and I must underscore as well the global issues where we’ve been partnered.  I have to thank you, thank you for deeply, for the strong, principled voice Cabo Verde has brought to international conversations, international discussions, international work at the United Nations and beyond.  We see this in some of the very difficult issues that you’ve tackled from a place of principle, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.  We’re also building partnerships that are founded in multilateral work in other critical ways that will really be to the benefit of Cabo Verdeans and Americans alike – our new Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, where Cabo Verde is playing a leading role, and we are grateful for that – and then, as I mentioned as well, a strong voice around the world on climate, because you know better than so many the effects both now and potential when it comes to climate change.  But building a blue economy – that too is I think a very powerful part of our partnership. Prime Minister, you said something very powerful that I just want to repeat, and that is that your true source of wealth, of richness is in the peace, security, stability, and democracy that Cabo Verde enjoys.  And we want to leverage those strengths to the benefit of Cabo Verdeans but also Americans and, in fact, the entire world.  So it’s in that spirit that we’re here today – a spirit of partnership, a spirit of admiration for the work that you’ve done, and a determination to do even more together between the United States and Cabo Verde.  We’re grateful for your welcome, your hospitality.  And of course – I saved the best for last – congratulations on making the knockout round in the Africa Cup.  We’ll be looking, we’ll be watching carefully, and – don’t tell anyone – we’re cheering for you.  (Laughter.)  So thank you so much. PRIME MINISTER SILVA:  Thank you. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Cabo Verde Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks Following Visit to Porto de Praia

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks Following Visit to Porto de Praia 01/22/2024 08:48 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Praia, Cabo Verde SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s wonderful to be here in Cabo Verde and the port of Praia.  We start this trip to Africa here in Cabo Verde because it is quite literally a gateway to Africa for countries around the world, including for the United States.  And a big part of that gateway is this port.  One of the things I’m very proud of is the fact that, thanks to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the United States was able to invest significantly in modernizing and upgrading this port so that its capacity was dramatically expanded in terms of the number of ships that it could bring in, the efficiency of the port also dramatically increased so that ships could be processed much more quickly, the storage capacity around the port also built up, and all of that has created an incredibly vibrant place and a much stronger gateway to Africa for us and for so many other countries. We also see that in the fact that this expansion project has produced jobs right here in Cabo Verde.  And we’re also seeing Cabo Verde become increasingly a destination for tourism, for cruise ships, all of that thanks to work that was done in large part through the Millennium Challenge Corporation.  Cabo Verde is the only country in the world to have completed two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts, and now it’s embarking on a third, but a third that will really focus on regional connectivity and on integration and strengthening ties economically among countries in West Africa. So we couldn’t be more pleased and more proud for this partnership with Cabo Verde, and it seems like a very fitting place to start this trip to Africa that’ll take us now to Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and on to Angola.  And it’s further evidence of the fact that, as President Biden said, the United States is all in with Africa.  We see Africa as an essential, critical, central part of our future.  The partnerships between the United States and Africa were a big focus of the work that we did at the Africa Leaders Summit in Washington and, most important, the work that we continue to do ever since that summit in following through on the commitments and the agreements that were made there.  This trip is a big part of that, and it really does focus on President Biden’s commitment and conviction that the United States and Africa are joined in partnership for the future.  So thanks very much and glad to be able to bring you to the port. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Cabo Verde Millennium Challenge Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks Following Visit to Porto de Praia

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks Following Visit to Porto de Praia 01/22/2024 08:48 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Praia, Cabo Verde SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s wonderful to be here in Cabo Verde and the port of Praia.  We start this trip to Africa here in Cabo Verde because it is quite literally a gateway to Africa for countries around the world, including for the United States.  And a big part of that gateway is this port.  One of the things I’m very proud of is the fact that, thanks to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the United States was able to invest significantly in modernizing and upgrading this port so that its capacity was dramatically expanded in terms of the number of ships that it could bring in, the efficiency of the port also dramatically increased so that ships could be processed much more quickly, the storage capacity around the port also built up, and all of that has created an incredibly vibrant place and a much stronger gateway to Africa for us and for so many other countries. We also see that in the fact that this expansion project has produced jobs right here in Cabo Verde.  And we’re also seeing Cabo Verde become increasingly a destination for tourism, for cruise ships, all of that thanks to work that was done in large part through the Millennium Challenge Corporation.  Cabo Verde is the only country in the world to have completed two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts, and now it’s embarking on a third, but a third that will really focus on regional connectivity and on integration and strengthening ties economically among countries in West Africa. So we couldn’t be more pleased and more proud for this partnership with Cabo Verde, and it seems like a very fitting place to start this trip to Africa that’ll take us now to Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and on to Angola.  And it’s further evidence of the fact that, as President Biden said, the United States is all in with Africa.  We see Africa as an essential, critical, central part of our future.  The partnerships between the United States and Africa were a big focus of the work that we did at the Africa Leaders Summit in Washington and, most important, the work that we continue to do ever since that summit in following through on the commitments and the agreements that were made there.  This trip is a big part of that, and it really does focus on President Biden’s commitment and conviction that the United States and Africa are joined in partnership for the future.  So thanks very much and glad to be able to bring you to the port. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Cabo Verde Millennium Challenge Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

The United States and Côte d’Ivoire: Strengthening Our Partnership

01/22/2024

The United States and Côte d’Ivoire: Strengthening Our Partnership 01/22/2024 09:13 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Antony J. Blinken’s visit to Abidjan January 22-23, 2024, advanced commitments made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit by expanding partnerships with the government, institutions, and people of Côte d’Ivoire.  Secretary Blinken met with President Alassane Ouattara and senior members of his government to discuss shared priorities to strengthen democracy and good governance, expand economic growth and trade, improve security in Côte d’Ivoire and the region, as well as programs to advance climate, food security, and health.  U.S.-Côte d’Ivoire Relationship The United States and Côte d’Ivoire are working together to invest in people, promote peace, and expand shared prosperity, especially for young Ivoirians. A healthy, safe, and economically strong Côte d’Ivoire is good for the United States. We have a strong relationship with Côte d’Ivoire based on shared values. The United States invests heavily in Ivorian people and institutions, based on a partnership of mutual respect. The United States congratulates Côte d’Ivoire on hosting the Africa Cup of Nations. Secretary Blinken and his delegation attended a key match and recognized the exceptional professionalism, competition, and diplomacy on the field. The President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement chose Côte d’Ivoire for its inaugural visit, bringing three trailblazing sports envoys, with support of the Global Engagement Center, as a visible symbol of our bilateral partnership. Côte d’Ivoire is a vital partner in the implementation of the President’s Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability and associated 10-year plan for Coastal West Africa (also includes Benin, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo). Our plan aligns closely with Côte d’Ivoire’s 2021-2025 National Development Plan to build social cohesion, strengthen community resilience, and expand economic opportunity, to create the conditions for peace and stability. The Secretary announced that the United States will provide $45 million in new funding, working with the U.S. Congress, to help Côte d’Ivoire and its neighbors prevent conflict and promote stability in the face of regional threats.  With that funding, the United States will have dedicated nearly $300 million in stability-focused assistance in Coastal West Africa since 2022, which underscores our commitment to partner with this region for the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.    We are making long-term, strategic investments to help Côte d’Ivoire address underlying drivers of conflict, in line with its commendable “people-centered security” approach.  Across northern Côte d’Ivoire, programs are fostering dialogue among local government and communities, expanding economic livelihoods for youth and women, and increasing the capacity for community policing.  These efforts are yielding results as local communities and security officials work together to enhance early warning systems, push back on fake news, and counter violent extremism.   Democracy, Governance, and Rule of Law The United States invests in Côte d’Ivoire’s institutions across sectors to strengthen governance, build capacity, and improve delivery of services to all communities.   To expand opportunity, Embassy Abidjan offers cultural and academic exchanges with exceptional participants from all regions of Côte d’Ivoire through programs that include Fulbright Fellowships, Sports Diplomacy, International Visitor Leadership Program, Mandela-Washington Fellowship, Study of the U.S. Institute, Community College Initiative, and the Pan-Africa Leadership Program. The American people support democratic institutions through our Political Transition and Inclusion program, a $14.2 million, five-year USAID activity that supports national and local government efforts to be more inclusive of citizens’ democratic ambitions, and responsive to their needs and concerns. A new $4 million Community Resilience through Dialogue and Art program encourages People-To-People reconciliation. This USAID activity is designed to prevent and mitigate the risk of renewed conflict by reinforcing new and existing local conflict resolution mechanisms to reduce, mitigate, and resolve intergroup conflicts and grievances in preparation for upcoming electoral cycles. USAID’s Democracy, Rights and Governance programs increase the inclusion of youth and women in the political process, promote accountability for state and non-state actors around basic services, protect the rights of marginalized and vulnerable populations, counter violent extremism in border areas, and promote women’s empowerment. The United States provides training to increase access to justice and accelerate Ivoirian efforts to modernize and reform the criminal justice system. The Justice Sector Improvement Project, a $2 million initiative, improves the ability of judicial actors to deliver modern, efficient, equitable and gender-sensitive justice, and improves judicial sector accountability to all citizens. The United States recognizes Côte d’Ivoire’s successful conduct of peaceful regional and municipal elections in September. We stand by Côte d’Ivoire to support free and fair general elections in 2025 conducted through inclusive and transparent electoral processes and reflecting the will of the people. Trade and Investment The United States continues to expand our commercial partnership with Côte d’Ivoire and is dedicated to expanding economic growth and trade in support of our shared prosperity.  The United States celebrates and supports the American private sector and new U.S. companies entering the Ivoirian market – innovative enterprises that further increase Côte d’Ivoire’s technological capacity. Fair labor practices are essential for the United States and Côte d’Ivoire to achieve shared objectives toward inclusive economic growth, the transition to greener economies, humane migration, youth employment, and realizing the potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. We prioritize collaboration with our Ivoirian partners to increase investment and the Export-Import Bank of the United States is extending project finance under its $500 million Memorandum of Understanding with the Ivoirian government to advance commercial partnerships, facilitate U.S. exports, and spark local economic activity. To catalyze economic growth, our Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact with Côted’Ivoire, valued at $536.7 million, includes major transportation and education projects and improved systems to maintain this key infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has two regional Food for Progress activities that will create thousands of jobs in Côte d’Ivoire. They focus on increasing the volume of cashews that are processed in Côte d’Ivoire instead of being exported. USAID implements regional programs that increase trade volume and value, decrease trade barriers, support new power generation, mobilize partnerships, and seek investments through on-grid and off-grid activities We applaud Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership and contributions to the formation of the 36-member Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, a platform for Atlantic coastal states to address common challenges to advance a peaceful, stable, prosperous, open, safe, and cooperative Atlantic region, and promote a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic resources for generations to come. Through the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, the United States is expanding digital access and increasing commercial engagement between U.S. and African companies in the digital sector to support increased digital literacy and strengthen digital enabling environments, in alignment with the priorities outlined in the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy.   Developing capacity for Côte d’Ivoire’s digital sovereignty, American company Cybastion is building the Digital Administrative City and national data center. MCC, USAID, American companies, and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire partnered through Digifemmes to support over 3,500 women-led or women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises. To advance DTA Digital Enabling Environment pillar, the State Department Global Engagement Center supported the U.S. Embassy-hosted Tech Challenge to encourage young people to identify and develop trusted digital ecosystems. The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) this year will provide 50 Abidjan-based women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch or scale their businesses. To date, AWE has helped roughly 5,500 women entrepreneurs in Africa to grow their businesses and reach their full economic potential. The Small Business Administration (SBA), delivering commitments from Administrator Isabel Guzman’s visit to Abidjan, SBA and Prosper Africa will host a seminar February 1, Utilizing U.S. Government Tools and Services to Engage in Two-way Trade Between the United States and West African Countries. We are committed to increasing private sector investment and will soon open a bilateral Department of Commerce Foreign Commercial Service office in Abidjan. This step recognizes the growing commercial links between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire, an economic engine in the region. Demonstrating the U.S. government’s confidence in the economic growth and investment potential in Côte d’Ivoire, the U.S. Embassy recently welcomed a new Department of the Treasury Attaché. The Development Finance Corporation will also base representatives in Abidjan this year. Building Defense and Security Partnerships The United States is expanding its security partnership with Côte d’Ivoire to achieve our shared goal of defeating terrorism and creating an environment conducive to economic and social development. DOD supports a border security initiative ($6.5 million) to reduce terrorist transit across Côte d’Ivoire’s borders and a port security program ($4.9 million) to counter piracy, illicit trafficking, and IUU fishing. A resident Civil Affairs Team is helping Côte d’Ivoire improve civilian-military engagement. The U.S. military works closely with Ivoirian counterparts to professionalize their security forces by promoting regional cohesion through information sharing and participation in military exercises. The U.S. Government selected Côte d’Ivoire to host Special Operations Forces largest multinational exercise Flintlock in 2025 and 2026. Through the Resilience for Peace program, the United States is dedicating more than $20 million (via USAID) over five years to strengthen community resilience, learning, and civic and economic empowerment opportunities to prevent violent extremism in Côte d’Ivoire’s northern border areas. The United States supports the flagship community policing program, training almost the entire police force, developing a national curriculum, and recently expanding to focus on youth-police relations, key to our shared goal of preventing violent extremism. The State Department International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau supports the Ivoirian government and civic partners foster dialogue among residents to improve relations between the community and the police in fragile, post-conflict areas.  The State Department Bureau of Counterterrorism is providing civilian security assistance ($6.5 million) to support training and equipping National Police and National Gendarmerie intervention units in crisis response and rural border patrol capabilities. We commend Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership and generosity in welcoming thousands of vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers as violence in the Sahel continues to force displacement across West Africa. The United States remains the single contributor to address the needs of displaced persons throughout West Africa.  In 2023, we provided nearly $12 million in humanitarian assistance to partners serving the needs of refugees. The United States’ commitment to regional stability and combatting violent extremism includes support for the International Counterterrorism Academy (AILCT). As a member of the AILCT governing board we are investing over $8.2 million to build this multilateral institution and train forces to build a common approach to counter terrorism. Health Cooperation Together, we are saving lives.  The United States is the largest investor in Côte d’Ivoire’s health sector.  We support the government’s efforts to provide reliable and sustainable public health to its people nationwide. Through the S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the American people have provided Côte d’Ivoire with nearly $2 billion in foreign assistance since 2004. This includes $105 million in FY 2023 to support HIV prevention, care and treatment in the fight to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. PEPFAR assistance is provided alongside approximately $10 million in domestic HIV financing and $16 million in Global Fund HIV support annually. Through the President’s Malaria Initiative, we have invested $150 million to prevent, detect, and treat malaria. Our support includes the provision of 5.2 million bed nets, 8.2 million malaria diagnostic tests, Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and training for 8,300 healthcare workers.  As part of our commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda, the United States has invested more than $81 million to strengthen systems and interventions for the prevention, detection, and response to infectious disease threats such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Avian Influenza. USAID’s Maternal and Child Health programs support enhanced focus on community and primary health care by investing $9.57 million to improve access to quality services to better protect and promote health care for pregnant women and children under five years old. Family Planning and Reproductive Health programs of $11 million strengthen the quality and accessibility of voluntary family planning and reproductive health services by investing $11 million to address unmet needs through the public, non-government, and private sectors, delivered through an increased focus on primary health care. During President Biden’s launch of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment at the G7 in 2022, ABD Group, a project development firm focused on Africa, announced Phase 1 and Phase 2 of a hospital project.  Currently, ABD Group has completed 35 hospitals and 74% of the work in Phase 1.  This project is delivering new healthcare infrastructure to communities around Côte d’Ivoire and is a prominent example of the results U.S. companies can deliver on the ground.  Tags Bureau of African Affairs Cabo Verde Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip

Designating Supporters of Iran’s Malign Agenda

01/22/2024

Designating Supporters of Iran’s Malign Agenda 01/22/2024 10:15 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson The United States is today designating Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad and its CEO for supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.  We are also identifying two Iraq-registered aircraft that Fly Baghdad owns as blocked property.  Additionally, the United States is designating three leaders and supporters of Kata’ib Hizballah, one of the IRGC-QF’s Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, and one business that facilitates and launders funds for Kata’ib Hizballah. The IRGC-QF and Iran-aligned militia groups pose a significant threat to the Middle East region.  Kata’ib Hizballah has been responsible for a series of drone and missile attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since Hamas’s horrific attack on Israel on October 7. The United States remains committed to exposing and taking actions against individuals and groups that abuse their local economies and engage in illegal activities that support terrorist groups destabilizing the region. Both the IRGC-QF and Kata’ib Hizballah are U.S.-designated entities.  The Department of the Treasury action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.  For more information on today’s action, see Treasury’s press release. Tags Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Counterterrorism Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Iran Office of the Spokesperson

Targeting Additional Hamas Financial Networks

01/22/2024

Targeting Additional Hamas Financial Networks 01/22/2024 10:07 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson The United States is today imposing its fifth round of sanctions on Hamas since the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.  Today’s action targets networks of Hamas-affiliated financial exchanges in Gaza, their owners, and associates.  In conjunction with this action, Australia and the United Kingdom are also placing sanctions on key Hamas officials and facilitators. We remain committed to working with our allies and partners to dismantle the financial infrastructure that supports Hamas operations.  We will continue to use all of our tools to target Hamas, its financiers, and its financial transfer mechanisms that funnel funds in support of Hamas’s terrorist activities. The Department of the Treasury is taking these actions pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.  For more information on this designation, see Treasury’s press release. Tags Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Division for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions Israel-Hamas Conflict Office of the Spokesperson Palestinian Territories

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi 01/22/2024 10:26 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke to Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi today to congratulate him on his re-election. The Secretary encouraged President Tshisekedi to address the concerns raised by election observation missions by taking steps to promote confidence in the democratic process going forward. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC and a path forward for a diplomatic solution. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Democratic Republic of the Congo Elections Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks to the Press

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks to the Press 01/22/2024 02:10 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s wonderful to be here at the Africa Cup of Nations, and I just want to compliment the Ivory Coast, Côte d’Ivoire, for the extraordinary organization of this tournament, bringing so many people together from around the continent and actually well beyond, including a lot of Americans who are here, getting to experience the Ivory Coast, seeing the remarkable work that’s been done putting this tournament together and bringing people together.  And that’s really the power of sports; it breaks down barriers of every kind – of language, of geography, of politics, and especially when it comes to football – to soccer for some of us in the United States – may be the most powerful unifier in the world.  So it’s great to be a small part of this here to honor the incredible work that the Ivory Coast is doing in bringing all of these countries together, bringing all of us together.  And it’s another way of building bridges between the United States and Africa, the United States and the Ivory Coast.  We’re doing a lot of actual building of infrastructure, but this is building connections between people.  Sports does that as well as anything.  So it’s a pleasure to be a part of this tonight, and I want to president – want to congratulate again President Ouattara for the extraordinary achievement and the people of the Ivory Coast for the extraordinary achievement.  Thank you.  Merci. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Côte d'Ivoire Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks to the Press

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Remarks to the Press 01/22/2024 02:10 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s wonderful to be here at the Africa Cup of Nations, and I just want to compliment the Ivory Coast, Côte d’Ivoire, for the extraordinary organization of this tournament, bringing so many people together from around the continent and actually well beyond, including a lot of Americans who are here, getting to experience the Ivory Coast, seeing the remarkable work that’s been done putting this tournament together and bringing people together.  And that’s really the power of sports; it breaks down barriers of every kind – of language, of geography, of politics, and especially when it comes to football – to soccer for some of us in the United States – may be the most powerful unifier in the world.  So it’s great to be a small part of this here to honor the incredible work that the Ivory Coast is doing in bringing all of these countries together, bringing all of us together.  And it’s another way of building bridges between the United States and Africa, the United States and the Ivory Coast.  We’re doing a lot of actual building of infrastructure, but this is building connections between people.  Sports does that as well as anything.  So it’s a pleasure to be a part of this tonight, and I want to president – want to congratulate again President Ouattara for the extraordinary achievement and the people of the Ivory Coast for the extraordinary achievement.  Thank you.  Merci. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Côte d'Ivoire Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken Travels to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum

01/22/2024

The Week at State  |  January 15-21 In “The Week at State,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken began his week in Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum. After his return to Washington, he discussed foreign policy with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Finally, the State Department honored several people with International Religious Freedom Awards.  Secretary Blinken Travels to Davos  Secretary Blinken traveled to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum, where he met with leaders to discuss the need to achieve lasting peace and security in the Middle East, the United States’ enduring commitment to the people of Ukraine, and our commitment to transatlantic security and the rules-based international order. Sitting Down with Business Leaders In Davos, Secretary Blinken engaged with CEOs of U.S. companies to affirm our commitment to supporting U.S. businesses abroad.  “U.S. companies are critical players in core sectors that underpin the global economy and the State Department is supporting through our commercial diplomacy efforts,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X. Supporting Workers Around the World Also in Davos, Secretary Blinken met with global union federation leaders representing millions of workers.  “Promoting workers’ rights is key to the advancement of sustainable economic growth for worker empowerment in the United States and abroad,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X.  The Importance of Good Soil  During the World Economic Forum’s “Treating Soil as a Precious Resource” event, Secretary Blinken underscored the need to collaborate to protect soil in order to build resilient food systems and ensure sustainable agriculture. Combating Terrorism Terrorist Designation of the Houthis The State Department designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, effective February 16. The Department is taking significant steps to mitigate any adverse impacts the designation may have on the people of Yemen. “This designation seeks to promote accountability for the group’s terrorist activities,” Secretary Blinken said in a press statement. “If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will reevaluate this designation.”  Human Rights Release Ilham Tohti from Detention in China January 15 marked 10 years since Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur human rights activist, was detained in the People’s Republic of China. The State Department called on China to cease its genocide and crimes against humanity and to immediately and unconditionally release Tohti and all those arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang.  Refugees and Migration Secretary Blinken Leads Dialogue on Migration Secretary Blinken met with Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena on January 20 to discuss the significant progress made addressing the challenges posed by unprecedented irregular migration and forced displacement.  “Our partnership on migration is crucial to the stability and prosperity of the Americas,” Secretary Blinken said on Twitter/X. Welcome Corps Celebrates its First Anniversary On January 19, we commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Welcome Corps, our private sponsorship program that empowers everyday Americans to welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Read Welcome Corps: First Year of Refugee Private Sponsorship a Big Success to learn how American citizens, including some who arrived in the United States as refugees themselves, are paying it forward as sponsors supporting incoming refugees.  Holidays and Commemorations Recognizing Religious Freedom Fighters On January 18, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma and U.S. Ambassador at Large Rashad Hussain presented the Secretary of State’s International Religious Freedom Award to seven individuals and a group of nine clergy. The awards recognized their courage and commitment to promoting and defending religious freedom globally, and are part of the Department’s efforts to commemorate 25 years of the International Religious Freedom Act. Alliances and Partnerships Meeting with Mayors On January 19 at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, Secretary Blinken sat down with Mayor Hillary Schieve of Reno, NV, to talk about the power of American cities to advance a stronger and more secure America.  “Pretty much everything that we are trying to do around the world for the United States, for our citizens, it actually starts in our cities, and that’s something we can talk about,” Secretary Blinken said from the Capitol Hilton Hotel.  Travel and Visa Services Know Before You Go Be sure you know what you are and are not allowed to bring with you to your destination, because spending even part of your trip in an airport customs office is probably not the vacation you had in mind. Head to the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs to start your travel research. This Week January 21-26: Secretary Blinken travels to Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola  January 24: International Day of Clean Energy January 27: International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust Looking Ahead January 28: PEPFAR Anniversary February 1: Black History Month begins  February 2: World Wetlands Day Useful links Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.  Read More at State.gov Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe All  |  Help Privacy Policy

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis 01/22/2024 06:59 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis hide Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis Readout January 22, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Secretary and the Prime Minister underscored the deep and enduring U.S.-Greece bilateral relationship, their shared values as NATO Allies, and Greece’s essential partnership in addressing a wide range of issues. The Secretary and Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of protecting navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea and Greece’s participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Greece Maritime Matters North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis

01/22/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis 01/22/2024 06:59 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis hide Secretary Blinken’s Call with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis Readout January 22, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Secretary and the Prime Minister underscored the deep and enduring U.S.-Greece bilateral relationship, their shared values as NATO Allies, and Greece’s essential partnership in addressing a wide range of issues. The Secretary and Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of protecting navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea and Greece’s participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian. Tags Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Greece Maritime Matters North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

The United States and Nigeria: Partnering for Prosperity

01/23/2024

The United States and Nigeria: Partnering for Prosperity 01/23/2024 09:05 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Antony J. Blinken will visit Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, January 23-24 where he will meet with President Bola Tinubu, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and representatives from civil society to discuss the U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship and commitments made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, including in the areas of climate, food security, and health security.  He will also emphasize 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.  Additionally, the Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law. U.S.-Nigeria Relations Our partnership with Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and democracy, is built on shared interests and values, as well as strong people-to-people ties.  A secure, democratic, healthy, and prosperous Nigeria is good for Nigerians, Africa, the United States, and the world.  The United States and Nigeria enjoy a deep and enduring partnership that spans more than six decades. Our bilateral relationship is based on advancing shared interests in security cooperation, global health security, development and humanitarian response, economic growth, democracy, and respect for human rights. We invest in Nigeria’s economic growth and advance trade through both private sector engagement and government-supported initiatives such as the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Prosper Africa, and Power Africa. The United States provided nearly $1.2 billion in FY 2022 in foreign assistance resources to Nigeria —supporting economic development, education, democracy, health, energy and climate, humanitarian relief, security, and more. Health Cooperation The United States is also a steadfast partner in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.  U.S. health investments and partnerships in Nigeria – such as the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and global health security intensive support partnership program have saved millions of lives, strengthened health systems, and better equipped Africa and the world to prevent, detect, and respond to existing and future health threats. The United States invested more than $570 million last year to help prevent illnesses like HIV, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 in Nigeria. Over the past two decades, PEPFAR has invested nearly $8.3 billion in Nigeria, providing Nigerians with HIV testing, prevention, care and treatment services while strengthening public health systems.  This includes providing more than 1.6 million individuals with lifesaving HIV treatment.  The FY2024 budget is $396 million. Partnerships like PMI, with an FY 2023 budget of $73 million in Nigeria, have reduced child death rates and strengthened health systems. Through our global health security partnership, we also work closely with the Nigerian government and other partners to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats— including cholera and diphtheria—by providing support in areas like the health workforce, laboratory capacity, and disease surveillance systems. In response to COVID-19, the United States, in partnership with COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), donated more than 32 million vaccine doses to Nigeria, helping the Nigerian government approach its target vaccination rate of 70 percent of the eligible population. Economic, Trade and Investment Ties Nigeria is our second-largest trading partner in Africa with two-way trade exceeding $10.6 billion in 2022.  The United States is proud to be one of the largest foreign investors in Nigeria with foreign direct investment totaling $5.6 billion in 2022. Technology is playing an ever-increasing role in the deepening of the U.S.-Nigeria relationship and our relationships across the continent.  The partnership includes significant investments in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, and we are using the latest technological innovations to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other vital areas of development and economic growth. Climate and Food Security As a Global Methane Pledge champion, a founding Net-Zero World partner, Energy Transition Accelerator pilot country, and Net-Zero Government Initiative member, Nigeria is accelerating its climate action and working with the United States to help raise global climate ambition. The United States supports Nigeria in its goal to eliminate gas flaring and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.  Power Africa has provided technical assistance to the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program.  Through the Net Zero World initiative, the United States provides technical assistance on methane abatement to Nigerian public and private sector entities. Power Africa has supported more than 1.4 million Nigerians with privately managed, renewable off-grid power generation. Through Feed the Future’s investments in agriculture, resilience, and nutrition, the United States is helping Nigeria promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Democracy and Human Rights Elections are central to Nigeria’s democracy.  For the 2023 elections, we supported 44 civil society organizations to provide civic and voter education to 68 million Nigerians. We are a steadfast partner in seeking to strengthen election processes that enhance capacity to meet citizens’ expectations, and in pursuing innovative projects to help communities peacefully resolve differences without violence. Collaborating with civil society, armed forces, law enforcement, and the judiciary, we are confronting the security challenges that stand in the way of economic growth while upholding a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. Peace and Security Justice and security reform initiatives have involved building Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity; bringing technology to courtrooms and case management systems to help in the administration of justice and reduce pre-trial detention; and supporting efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in security forces, such as the police and military. The United States provides technical assistance and trains law enforcement and judiciary professionals to address many challenges including banditry and kidnapping, counter-narcotics, cyber-crime, protecting intellectual property rights, and trafficking in persons and gender-based violence.  U.S. law enforcement programming focuses on building the capacity of civilian security actors, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Nigerian Customs. Securing Nigeria is a shared priority.  Since 2017, U.S. security assistance to Nigeria has totaled approximately $650 million, in addition to $1.8 billion in Foreign Military Sales. Through cooperation and training, the United States works with Nigeria to secure air travel and land borders against terrorist travel, combat terrorism financing, and counter violent extremism. Nigeria was the first African country to join the D-ISIS Coalition and continues to be an integral partner in the fight against terrorism in sub-Saharan Africa. USAID’s Community Initiative to Promote Peace promotes peaceful coexistence and collaboration in Nigeria through a multifaceted program that empowers at-risk communities to prevent and respond to violence by strengthening key skills and relationships and fostering an environment for peace through policy advocacy, media outreach, and linkages to development programs. Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Nigeria is a positive voice in the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, a White House priority launched in September 2023.  The Partnership is a platform for Atlantic coastal states to work together to address common challenges to realize interconnected goals of advancing a peaceful, stable, prosperous, open, safe, and cooperative Atlantic region, and promoting a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic for generations to come.  It currently has 36 member states across the Atlantic. People-to-People Ties Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of African participants each year in the Fulbright Program, as well as participants in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, TechWomen, and the International Visitor Leadership Program.  More than 12,000 education and exchange program alumni hail from Nigeria. Over 17,000 Nigerians are studying in the United States, making Nigeria seventh among sending countries around the world. Through EducationUSA, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria advised 80,000 prospective students in 2023 and helped secure nearly $30 million in scholarships for bright and underserved students through its Opportunity Funds Program. In 2023, Nigeria’s network of American Spaces reached over 56,000 participants through approximately 2,000 programs focused on civic engagement, women’s participation in politics, STEM education, entrepreneurship, and youth development. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria, in collaboration with public and private sector partners, supports capacity building programs for young Nigerians in creative industries.  Since 2017, over 500 emerging filmmakers have participated in workshops led by U.S. filmmakers, in collaboration with the Department of State’s American Film Showcase and Global Media Makers ECA programs.  Moreover, Mission Nigeria has contributed to the development of the creative ecosystem by supporting various film, theater, and arts festivals, such as the Africa International Film Festival, Africa Creative Market, Abuja Open House, Ake Arts and Book Festivals, and more. The United States and Nigeria enjoy strong bilateral cooperation on cultural heritage protection and preservation and signed a bilateral cultural property agreement in January 2022.  Nigeria is one of only two countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a similar agreement with the United States.  Nigeria has received over $1.3 million for 15 projects from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Ivorian Foreign Minister Kacou Houadja Leon Adom

01/23/2024

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Ivorian Foreign Minister Kacou Houadja Leon Adom 01/23/2024 09:30 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Ivorian Foreign Minister Kacou Houadja Leon Adom.  They discussed commitments made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit on key areas such as climate, economics and trade, and global health cooperation and how U.S. investments are delivering on those commitments.  The Secretary discussed partnerships based on shared values that promote democracy and respect for human rights, strengthen mutual security, and support for humanitarian needs.  They also had a productive exchange on challenges to peace and security in the sub-region, on the African continent, and globally.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara After Their Meeting

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara After Their Meeting 01/23/2024 09:57 AM EST Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire PRESIDENT OUATTARA:  (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, this is an honor for me to welcome Mr. Blinken, Secretary of State – that is the minister of state, minister of foreign affairs from U.S.A. side – in this occasion of his visit. So we had a pleasant meeting.  We have been good and happy to confirm exceptional partnership between U.S.A. and Côte d’Ivoire.  And I mentioned the fact that we do appreciate the support by U.S.A. and President Biden for what has been done and what will be – it continues to be done for our country in the health, food security, digitalization.  And we discussed in all the fields of cooperation, and we have a joint vision, (inaudible) continent vision given the fact that our subregion is in need of security with those coup d’états in some of nearby countries of Côte d’Ivoire.  And we agreed that those countries will move forward toward democratic regimes.  Like U.S.A., we are very committed to (inaudible), and do all that can improve the daily life of the population.  And security in the subregion is challenging somehow, so we do appreciate U.S.A. for their support. In the area of intelligence and the fight against terrorism, and we consider that at international level, we are sorry about the current crisis in Ukraine – invasion of Ukraine by Russia – and also the situation in Gaza.  We do hope that the peace will come back soon to allow Palestinians to have a territory, as this has been demanded by the United Nations and the whole world. I would like to conclude by handing over to you and – before all, commend you on your visit.  And on this occasion of the AFCON, and you know this is a great celebration of hospitality.  We have been sorry about what happened, but we will manage.  We will improve since we have a very young team over here that will improve.  I’m telling (inaudible) not to be discouraged.  Like the first president (inaudible) was familiar saying it, discouraging is not (inaudible).  We won that cup two times – 1992 as I was the prime minister, 2008 – ’15, recently.  And I am sure that we will win the third cup.  Thank you very much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  (Via interpreter) Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for having us today for this very long and very good conversation that, as you said, touched upon all of the topics that are important to us bilaterally and regionally or globally.  And I would like to speak to the question at the match yesterday.  Someone said soccer is life, with ups and downs.  And what I saw was a young team with a lot of talent.  The elephants have long memories, and they also have a lot of capacities for the future.  And I know that we will be seeing them again on the continent and around the world.  I’m very confident of that.  (Applause.) If I may, I will continue in English for our colleagues of the press. (In English) As I said to Mr. President, I thanked him for both a long but also very productive conversation across a whole variety of subjects that join our countries together, the Côte d’Ivoire and the United States, both on a bilateral, a regional, and indeed a global basis.  I’m here, as you know, as part of a four-country tour that took us to Cabo Verde yesterday, here in Côte d’Ivoire, and then on to Nigeria and to Angola.  And we’re here for a very simple reason, because America and Africa’s futures, their peoples, their prosperity are linked, linked and joined as never before.  African voices are shaping our shared future, shared future on a planet where, in the years ahead, one out of every four people on this planet will be from Africa, and we see increasingly African countries leading on issues of global consequence. The United States is committed to growing our partnerships across the continent.  This is something that President Biden is very focused on.  We had the African Leaders Summit in Washington last year, but the President was determined that, as important and successful as that leaders summit was – the three days that people were together – it was the 362 days that followed where we’re really following through on the agreements we’ve reached and the commitments we’ve made that mattered most of all. Now the United States and Côte d’Ivoire have a strong and growing bond, and we see that in virtually every area.  We want to invest, to continue to invest in the foundations of Côte d’Ivoire’s prosperity, its health, its environment, and its future.  We have a half-billion-dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation compact building a major road and school infrastructure.  We’re supporting construction of new hospitals to lower maternal mortality.  And we continue to invest in ways to reach HIV epidemic control, to detect and respond to infectious diseases that we saw ravaged our planet just in the last few years. The president and I also had an opportunity to talk about our growing commercial ties.  This is something that will create more jobs, and it will power broad-based growth for both of our countries.  We’ve already seen remarkable economic success in Côte d’Ivoire, with exceptional growth rates at a time when the world economy has been challenged, and despite even the challenges that Cote d’Ivoire has in its own region, in the north and elsewhere.  But here, we are about to add at our mission a Foreign Commercial Service office with the Treasury Department.  We have personnel from the Development Finance Corporation who are here to facilitate investment, to make sure that American investors see win-win opportunities for both of us and can take advantage of them.  And we’re building those partnerships as well under what will be a $500-million-plus agreement with our Export-Import Bank, again to support and to underwrite investment. One of those partnerships – because it’s something the president really focused on – is in the cyber and digital area, where our companies are setting up a wireless 5G network to manage disaster emergency management, digitizing Ivoirians’ medical records and systems, building what will genuinely be a state-of-the-art carbon neutral data storage facility, and more.  And this will really put the strongest possible foundation under Côte d’Ivoire’s digital future. Let me just add quickly that of course we spent a good deal of time talking about regional security challenges, and here Côte d’Ivoire is an essential partner – a partner for us, a partner for other countries in the region that are trying to move forward.  We appreciate particularly the leadership shown by Côte d’Ivoire in countering extremism and violence.  We are announcing $45 million in new funding through the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability for coastal West African states.  With this new investment, the United States will have invested nearly $300 million just over the past two years, instability-focused assistance, in coastal West Africa. And we’re also working to bolster Côte d’Ivoire’s security capacity.  There’s been an increase in training – multiplied 15 times – training equipment for the military, just over the last year.  We’re expanding civilian forces investment as well.  And I have to applaud the approach that’s been taken by Côte d’Ivoire – working with communities, listening to communities, making sure that their security forces understand the needs, the concerns of local communities, and building security together.  Côte d’Ivoire is showing the way to do that, and I think that can serve as a very powerful model for other countries. Finally, we noted and applauded the very important leadership of the president in other regional issues, particularly the very hard but important work of trying to return Niger to constitutional order.  We had a long discussion about that.  The bottom line is this: Côte d’Ivoire is a leader in West Africa and on the continent in so many ways, and we feel that in our own partnership.  We look to Côte d’Ivoire for advice, for council, for collaboration.  I hope – I believe, in any event, that we learn a lot from each other. And let me conclude where I started.  It was – despite the outcome of yesterday’s match, it was remarkable to see people coming from across the continent, and indeed around the world, here to Côte d’Ivoire for the tournament to see all of these extraordinary teams play on the field, but also to learn about, to experience this country.  And I think the investments that were made in helping to receive people, investments that will also help people here in Côte d’Ivoire with new roads, new hospitals, new bridges, all of the infrastructure that’s gone into this, that’s going to have a benefit for years to come.  And I think that as people come and experience Côte d’Ivoire, they’ll want to come back.  I know that I do. Thank you very much.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara After Their Meeting

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara After Their Meeting 01/23/2024 09:57 AM EST Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire PRESIDENT OUATTARA:  (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, this is an honor for me to welcome Mr. Blinken, Secretary of State – that is the minister of state, minister of foreign affairs from U.S.A. side – in this occasion of his visit. So we had a pleasant meeting.  We have been good and happy to confirm exceptional partnership between U.S.A. and Côte d’Ivoire.  And I mentioned the fact that we do appreciate the support by U.S.A. and President Biden for what has been done and what will be – it continues to be done for our country in the health, food security, digitalization.  And we discussed in all the fields of cooperation, and we have a joint vision, (inaudible) continent vision given the fact that our subregion is in need of security with those coup d’états in some of nearby countries of Côte d’Ivoire.  And we agreed that those countries will move forward toward democratic regimes.  Like U.S.A., we are very committed to (inaudible), and do all that can improve the daily life of the population.  And security in the subregion is challenging somehow, so we do appreciate U.S.A. for their support. In the area of intelligence and the fight against terrorism, and we consider that at international level, we are sorry about the current crisis in Ukraine – invasion of Ukraine by Russia – and also the situation in Gaza.  We do hope that the peace will come back soon to allow Palestinians to have a territory, as this has been demanded by the United Nations and the whole world. I would like to conclude by handing over to you and – before all, commend you on your visit.  And on this occasion of the AFCON, and you know this is a great celebration of hospitality.  We have been sorry about what happened, but we will manage.  We will improve since we have a very young team over here that will improve.  I’m telling (inaudible) not to be discouraged.  Like the first president (inaudible) was familiar saying it, discouraging is not (inaudible).  We won that cup two times – 1992 as I was the prime minister, 2008 – ’15, recently.  And I am sure that we will win the third cup.  Thank you very much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  (Via interpreter) Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for having us today for this very long and very good conversation that, as you said, touched upon all of the topics that are important to us bilaterally and regionally or globally.  And I would like to speak to the question at the match yesterday.  Someone said soccer is life, with ups and downs.  And what I saw was a young team with a lot of talent.  The elephants have long memories, and they also have a lot of capacities for the future.  And I know that we will be seeing them again on the continent and around the world.  I’m very confident of that.  (Applause.) If I may, I will continue in English for our colleagues of the press. (In English) As I said to Mr. President, I thanked him for both a long but also very productive conversation across a whole variety of subjects that join our countries together, the Côte d’Ivoire and the United States, both on a bilateral, a regional, and indeed a global basis.  I’m here, as you know, as part of a four-country tour that took us to Cabo Verde yesterday, here in Côte d’Ivoire, and then on to Nigeria and to Angola.  And we’re here for a very simple reason, because America and Africa’s futures, their peoples, their prosperity are linked, linked and joined as never before.  African voices are shaping our shared future, shared future on a planet where, in the years ahead, one out of every four people on this planet will be from Africa, and we see increasingly African countries leading on issues of global consequence. The United States is committed to growing our partnerships across the continent.  This is something that President Biden is very focused on.  We had the African Leaders Summit in Washington last year, but the President was determined that, as important and successful as that leaders summit was – the three days that people were together – it was the 362 days that followed where we’re really following through on the agreements we’ve reached and the commitments we’ve made that mattered most of all. Now the United States and Côte d’Ivoire have a strong and growing bond, and we see that in virtually every area.  We want to invest, to continue to invest in the foundations of Côte d’Ivoire’s prosperity, its health, its environment, and its future.  We have a half-billion-dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation compact building a major road and school infrastructure.  We’re supporting construction of new hospitals to lower maternal mortality.  And we continue to invest in ways to reach HIV epidemic control, to detect and respond to infectious diseases that we saw ravaged our planet just in the last few years. The president and I also had an opportunity to talk about our growing commercial ties.  This is something that will create more jobs, and it will power broad-based growth for both of our countries.  We’ve already seen remarkable economic success in Côte d’Ivoire, with exceptional growth rates at a time when the world economy has been challenged, and despite even the challenges that Cote d’Ivoire has in its own region, in the north and elsewhere.  But here, we are about to add at our mission a Foreign Commercial Service office with the Treasury Department.  We have personnel from the Development Finance Corporation who are here to facilitate investment, to make sure that American investors see win-win opportunities for both of us and can take advantage of them.  And we’re building those partnerships as well under what will be a $500-million-plus agreement with our Export-Import Bank, again to support and to underwrite investment. One of those partnerships – because it’s something the president really focused on – is in the cyber and digital area, where our companies are setting up a wireless 5G network to manage disaster emergency management, digitizing Ivoirians’ medical records and systems, building what will genuinely be a state-of-the-art carbon neutral data storage facility, and more.  And this will really put the strongest possible foundation under Côte d’Ivoire’s digital future. Let me just add quickly that of course we spent a good deal of time talking about regional security challenges, and here Côte d’Ivoire is an essential partner – a partner for us, a partner for other countries in the region that are trying to move forward.  We appreciate particularly the leadership shown by Côte d’Ivoire in countering extremism and violence.  We are announcing $45 million in new funding through the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability for coastal West African states.  With this new investment, the United States will have invested nearly $300 million just over the past two years, instability-focused assistance, in coastal West Africa. And we’re also working to bolster Côte d’Ivoire’s security capacity.  There’s been an increase in training – multiplied 15 times – training equipment for the military, just over the last year.  We’re expanding civilian forces investment as well.  And I have to applaud the approach that’s been taken by Côte d’Ivoire – working with communities, listening to communities, making sure that their security forces understand the needs, the concerns of local communities, and building security together.  Côte d’Ivoire is showing the way to do that, and I think that can serve as a very powerful model for other countries. Finally, we noted and applauded the very important leadership of the president in other regional issues, particularly the very hard but important work of trying to return Niger to constitutional order.  We had a long discussion about that.  The bottom line is this: Côte d’Ivoire is a leader in West Africa and on the continent in so many ways, and we feel that in our own partnership.  We look to Côte d’Ivoire for advice, for council, for collaboration.  I hope – I believe, in any event, that we learn a lot from each other. And let me conclude where I started.  It was – despite the outcome of yesterday’s match, it was remarkable to see people coming from across the continent, and indeed around the world, here to Côte d’Ivoire for the tournament to see all of these extraordinary teams play on the field, but also to learn about, to experience this country.  And I think the investments that were made in helping to receive people, investments that will also help people here in Côte d’Ivoire with new roads, new hospitals, new bridges, all of the infrastructure that’s gone into this, that’s going to have a benefit for years to come.  And I think that as people come and experience Côte d’Ivoire, they’ll want to come back.  I know that I do. Thank you very much.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At an Event on Food Security and Economic Growth At the AfricaRice Headquarters

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At an Event on Food Security and Economic Growth At the AfricaRice Headquarters 01/23/2024 10:16 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  Well, good afternoon, everyone.   And for me, it was both a pleasure and fascinating to be here, both with my colleague from the African Development Bank and also from AfricaRice, just to see the extraordinary work that’s being done to get to a place where, as President Biden has said, Africa feeds itself – and actually, more than itself, a place where Africa feeds the world.  And that is not only very possible – I’m convinced that it can happen. And it starts with a lot of the extraordinary work that the African Development Bank is doing in making the necessary investments in sustainable production and doing it in a smart, effective way.  And then the work that AfricaRice has been doing for so much time to maximize the crops and to do things that are, as we know from recent years, vitally important: producing resilient crops that can stand up to climate change and other weather-related events.  The focus as well on nutrition, as we’ve just heard going through the different stands here.  And then a virtuous cycle where not only are you doing the necessary in terms of production, but you also have the infrastructure necessary not only to produce but also to distribute.  And these are some of the things that we’re working on, including with the investments we’re making in the Lobito Corridor, and we talked about all of that today. I just want to add from our perspective that there is so much extraordinary innovation that is not only possible but is happening that can make a huge difference.  And what has really struck with me is that a couple of years ago, as we faced an almost perfect storm of crises that were having a huge effect on food security around the world – the combination of climate change, of COVID, and then conflict, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine – we were seeing the devastating impact that was having. And of course, when you’ve got that kind of crisis you want to jump in and do everything you possibly can on an emergency basis to help people.  And that’s exactly what the United States did, providing billions of dollars in additional assistance to countries in need.  We’re by far the number-one donor to the World Food Programme.  We are honored as well to be one of the closest partners to the African Development Bank. But in meeting with partners from around Africa, and particularly my own colleagues among the foreign ministers, what really struck me in listening to them was that, as appreciative as they were for the emergency assistance that we were providing, what they really wanted and wanted us to focus on were making investments in sustainable African capacity – again, so that Africa can feed itself.  And that has been President Biden’s focus throughout these last three years.  Of course, we’ve had the remarkable work that USAID does through Feed the Future, a longstanding program that has made a huge difference.  But what we’re also doing is adding new elements to that, and the one that we’re focused on now is something we call a Vision for Adapted Soil and Crops, or VACS. And what’s powerful here is this.  You’ve just seen today the extraordinary work that’s being done to adapt rice in the strongest possible way.  But we also believe that, along with rice, there are other traditional crops in Africa that are remarkably nutritious – in other words, they don’t just bring a caloric benefit; they bring real nutrition with them, as you’re doing with the rice – that can be adapted to be climate resilient so that they can stand up to the extreme events and weather patterns that are afflicting crops around the world – and that will appeal to people here in Africa. If you marry that to the other half of VACS – and that is the soil – and the technology that we now have to be able, anywhere in the world, to map the quality of a field anywhere.  Is the soil good, bad?  What does it need to be the most productive?  You put those two things together, the ground itself and what goes into it, that is how you have a totally new picture in productive capacity, and one that I think is particularly adapted to Africa. So we bring all this together in a way that I believe and President Biden believes can raise productive capacity throughout Africa in ways that we haven’t seen before, and that can bring Africa to the point not only of self-sufficiency, but of feeding others.  This has so many of the other virtues that we talked about just listening to our colleagues as we went around the stands in terms of employment, in terms of economic activity, in terms of the impact on other related businesses, including bringing women into the workplace. And by the way, this is so critical, and it was really interesting to hear the role that women are playing in this particular effort.  We know that if women around the world had – were working on parity with men in the workplace, that is if you had equal participation by women in the global workplace, you would add $28 trillion dollars – $28 trillion – to the global economy.  That’s incredibly powerful. So all of these things create a virtuous cycle and answers one of the most – maybe the most – profound need that we have, because as President Biden said, if you can’t feed your child nothing else really matters.  We see this here.  We see this in the remarkable programs the African Development Bank is doing, and we’re grateful to be a partner.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At an Event on Food Security and Economic Growth At the AfricaRice Headquarters

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At an Event on Food Security and Economic Growth At the AfricaRice Headquarters 01/23/2024 10:16 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  Well, good afternoon, everyone.   And for me, it was both a pleasure and fascinating to be here, both with my colleague from the African Development Bank and also from AfricaRice, just to see the extraordinary work that’s being done to get to a place where, as President Biden has said, Africa feeds itself – and actually, more than itself, a place where Africa feeds the world.  And that is not only very possible – I’m convinced that it can happen. And it starts with a lot of the extraordinary work that the African Development Bank is doing in making the necessary investments in sustainable production and doing it in a smart, effective way.  And then the work that AfricaRice has been doing for so much time to maximize the crops and to do things that are, as we know from recent years, vitally important: producing resilient crops that can stand up to climate change and other weather-related events.  The focus as well on nutrition, as we’ve just heard going through the different stands here.  And then a virtuous cycle where not only are you doing the necessary in terms of production, but you also have the infrastructure necessary not only to produce but also to distribute.  And these are some of the things that we’re working on, including with the investments we’re making in the Lobito Corridor, and we talked about all of that today. I just want to add from our perspective that there is so much extraordinary innovation that is not only possible but is happening that can make a huge difference.  And what has really struck with me is that a couple of years ago, as we faced an almost perfect storm of crises that were having a huge effect on food security around the world – the combination of climate change, of COVID, and then conflict, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine – we were seeing the devastating impact that was having. And of course, when you’ve got that kind of crisis you want to jump in and do everything you possibly can on an emergency basis to help people.  And that’s exactly what the United States did, providing billions of dollars in additional assistance to countries in need.  We’re by far the number-one donor to the World Food Programme.  We are honored as well to be one of the closest partners to the African Development Bank. But in meeting with partners from around Africa, and particularly my own colleagues among the foreign ministers, what really struck me in listening to them was that, as appreciative as they were for the emergency assistance that we were providing, what they really wanted and wanted us to focus on were making investments in sustainable African capacity – again, so that Africa can feed itself.  And that has been President Biden’s focus throughout these last three years.  Of course, we’ve had the remarkable work that USAID does through Feed the Future, a longstanding program that has made a huge difference.  But what we’re also doing is adding new elements to that, and the one that we’re focused on now is something we call a Vision for Adapted Soil and Crops, or VACS. And what’s powerful here is this.  You’ve just seen today the extraordinary work that’s being done to adapt rice in the strongest possible way.  But we also believe that, along with rice, there are other traditional crops in Africa that are remarkably nutritious – in other words, they don’t just bring a caloric benefit; they bring real nutrition with them, as you’re doing with the rice – that can be adapted to be climate resilient so that they can stand up to the extreme events and weather patterns that are afflicting crops around the world – and that will appeal to people here in Africa. If you marry that to the other half of VACS – and that is the soil – and the technology that we now have to be able, anywhere in the world, to map the quality of a field anywhere.  Is the soil good, bad?  What does it need to be the most productive?  You put those two things together, the ground itself and what goes into it, that is how you have a totally new picture in productive capacity, and one that I think is particularly adapted to Africa. So we bring all this together in a way that I believe and President Biden believes can raise productive capacity throughout Africa in ways that we haven’t seen before, and that can bring Africa to the point not only of self-sufficiency, but of feeding others.  This has so many of the other virtues that we talked about just listening to our colleagues as we went around the stands in terms of employment, in terms of economic activity, in terms of the impact on other related businesses, including bringing women into the workplace. And by the way, this is so critical, and it was really interesting to hear the role that women are playing in this particular effort.  We know that if women around the world had – were working on parity with men in the workplace, that is if you had equal participation by women in the global workplace, you would add $28 trillion dollars – $28 trillion – to the global economy.  That’s incredibly powerful. So all of these things create a virtuous cycle and answers one of the most – maybe the most – profound need that we have, because as President Biden said, if you can’t feed your child nothing else really matters.  We see this here.  We see this in the remarkable programs the African Development Bank is doing, and we’re grateful to be a partner.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

First Trilateral Sanctions against Russian Cyber Actor

01/23/2024

First Trilateral Sanctions against Russian Cyber Actor 01/23/2024 11:17 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson In coordination with Australia and the United Kingdom, the United States is designating a Russian cyber actor involved in the 2022 ransomware attack against an Australian healthcare insurer.  Today’s action, our first trilateral sanctions action using our respective cyber sanctions regimes, strengthens our partnership in the fight against malicious cyber actors. Russia continues to provide a safe haven to ransomware actors and enable ransomware attacks by cultivating and co-opting criminal hackers who have launched disruptive ransomware attacks against U.S. and allied countries.  We will continue to stand with our partners to disrupt ransomware actors that threaten our economies and critical infrastructure. The Department of the Treasury is taking these actions pursuant to Executive Order 13694, as amended.  For more information on this designation, see Treasury’s press release.

First Trilateral Sanctions against Russian Cyber Actor

01/23/2024

First Trilateral Sanctions against Russian Cyber Actor 01/23/2024 11:17 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson In coordination with Australia and the United Kingdom, the United States is designating a Russian cyber actor involved in the 2022 ransomware attack against an Australian healthcare insurer.  Today’s action, our first trilateral sanctions action using our respective cyber sanctions regimes, strengthens our partnership in the fight against malicious cyber actors. Russia continues to provide a safe haven to ransomware actors and enable ransomware attacks by cultivating and co-opting criminal hackers who have launched disruptive ransomware attacks against U.S. and allied countries.  We will continue to stand with our partners to disrupt ransomware actors that threaten our economies and critical infrastructure. The Department of the Treasury is taking these actions pursuant to Executive Order 13694, as amended.  For more information on this designation, see Treasury’s press release.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With RTI French TV

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With RTI French TV 01/23/2024 01:28 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara D'Ebimpé Via Translation QUESTION:  Hello everyone, and welcome to this exceptional edition.  As you may have understood, we are outside the premises of RTI, with an exceptional guest.  Indeed, Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, is currently in Côte d’Ivoire as part of his African tour.  He has granted us an interview, an exclusive by RTI. Hello and welcome to Côte d’Ivoire.  We say “Akwaaba” here. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Akwaaba.  Very pleased to see you.  Thank you. QUESTION:  So, is this the first time you are setting foot on Ivorian soil? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It is the first time, and I am delighted to be here, delighted to be here for this remarkable tournament, but especially delighted to be here to meet with our counterparts in the government, to continue the work that connects the two countries, the United States and Côte d’Ivoire. QUESTION:  We are currently at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ébimpé, where the match between Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea is taking place.  Why did you insist on attending this match? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Because, you know, for us – and I think for you and for people almost all over the world – sports, and especially soccer, connect diverse people around the world.  And when you have barriers in terms of geography, language, politics, or religion, sports, soccer, break down all these barriers, and it’s really a way to bring everyone together.  And the world has come together here in Côte d’Ivoire, coming from Africa, coming from the United States, from almost everywhere in the world. QUESTION:  So what would be your prediction regarding how this match will end, (inaudible) the competition, if you were to make one? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Ah.  Well, listen, since I am in Côte d’Ivoire, I must say, “Go Elephants!” right? QUESTION:  Thank you.  Let’s get back to the slightly more diplomatic aspect of your visit.  In addition to Cape Verde and Côte d’Ivoire, you will also visit Nigeria and Angola.  What motivated all these travels? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  What motivates us is primarily President Biden, for whom Africa represents the future, the future for the United States.  Soon, one in four people will be African; the voices of Africa are increasingly heard around the world in all international meetings; and for us, it represents both an opportunity and, I think, a need to connect with a rising, young population.  We had all the African leaders in Washington last year, and this trip is a follow-up to that meeting, to ensure that all the commitments we made in Washington are followed through. QUESTION:  Speaking of commitments, indeed, in 2022, the Biden-Harris administration pledged to invest $55 billion over three years in Africa.  Where do we stand? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  All of that is in progress.  We have significant investment, especially from the private sector.  The government’s role is to incentivize this investment, to support it if necessary, for example, in risk and insurance.  And it’s going well, I believe, in the sense that we see investments not only in infrastructure but also in healthcare systems, food security, combating climate change.  All of this is happening through — QUESTION:  And security as well? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  — and especially security because you need a security foundation to do all the other things we want to do. QUESTION:  So in recent years, we’ve observed an unprecedented pace of visits to Africa by the United States. It seems that the continent has become a priority again under the presidency of Joe Biden.  How do you explain this paradigm shift? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s obvious, as I mentioned, that Africa represents not only the future but also the present.  When I travel around the world, African voices are increasingly heard.  At the United Nations, Africa and the countries that make up Africa are a significant power.  We recently included Africa in the G20 under the leadership of the United States.  We want to see Africa integrated into all international institutions and, indeed, play a role that corresponds to the weight Africa holds in the world. QUESTION:  So let’s go back to the last U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which accelerated cooperation between your country and Côte d’Ivoire, covering various areas.  What are the priority focus areas? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  The priority focus areas are investments in infrastructure, education, health, food security, and combating climate change.  These are the most important areas, but there is also a focus on youth and women because they need to be integrated into the economies — QUESTION:  Towards a more inclusive economy? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  A more inclusive economy, because if women were included in the economy equally with men, we would add $28 trillion to the global economy.  That’s extraordinary.  So we want to do that, but what’s important is to do it in partnership.  We listen to each other.  We learn from each other.  It’s not just an investment in dollars; it’s also an investment in partnership, in relationships. QUESTION:  But is this partnership truly a win-win?  The famous win-win that is often talked about? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Yes, it has to be.  It has to work for the communities here in Africa, for example, that attract investment.  It has to work for them, not just for the investors.  And it’s precisely by listening to the communities, listening to our partners, that we ensure what we’re doing is truly win-win and contributes to the well-being of our partners. QUESTION:  Because Africa, in recent years, seems to have become a battleground for influence among major powers.  At what point do we think about the future of Africans? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s not for us to say they have to choose.  On the contrary, for us, the question is to present a good choice.  And then people will decide. QUESTION:  It’s for Africans to choose — SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Exactly. QUESTION: So, for this last question, I’ll go back to the world of sport.  You’ve come during the Africa Cup of Nations, and the United States of America will host the next World Cup in 2026.  Everyone says that this CAN is the most beautiful in history.  Will you get in touch with the relevant authorities to seek advice in terms of organization? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Absolutely.  Absolutely.  I’m here, taking notes, watching, listening.  The work here in Côte d’Ivoire is remarkable, in terms of organization and professionalism, and we need to learn.  We need to learn the positive lessons from what’s happening here because we do have a challenge ahead of us in organizing the World Cup.  So I’m here with my notepad.  I’m taking the lessons. QUESTION:  Thank you very much. This concludes the interview.  Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.  This concludes the interview with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has left to watch the match.  Thank you for your attention.  Enjoy the rest of the programs on RTI-1.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With RTI French TV

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With RTI French TV 01/23/2024 01:28 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara D'Ebimpé Via Translation QUESTION:  Hello everyone, and welcome to this exceptional edition.  As you may have understood, we are outside the premises of RTI, with an exceptional guest.  Indeed, Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, is currently in Côte d’Ivoire as part of his African tour.  He has granted us an interview, an exclusive by RTI. Hello and welcome to Côte d’Ivoire.  We say “Akwaaba” here. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Akwaaba.  Very pleased to see you.  Thank you. QUESTION:  So, is this the first time you are setting foot on Ivorian soil? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It is the first time, and I am delighted to be here, delighted to be here for this remarkable tournament, but especially delighted to be here to meet with our counterparts in the government, to continue the work that connects the two countries, the United States and Côte d’Ivoire. QUESTION:  We are currently at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium of Ébimpé, where the match between Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea is taking place.  Why did you insist on attending this match? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Because, you know, for us – and I think for you and for people almost all over the world – sports, and especially soccer, connect diverse people around the world.  And when you have barriers in terms of geography, language, politics, or religion, sports, soccer, break down all these barriers, and it’s really a way to bring everyone together.  And the world has come together here in Côte d’Ivoire, coming from Africa, coming from the United States, from almost everywhere in the world. QUESTION:  So what would be your prediction regarding how this match will end, (inaudible) the competition, if you were to make one? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Ah.  Well, listen, since I am in Côte d’Ivoire, I must say, “Go Elephants!” right? QUESTION:  Thank you.  Let’s get back to the slightly more diplomatic aspect of your visit.  In addition to Cape Verde and Côte d’Ivoire, you will also visit Nigeria and Angola.  What motivated all these travels? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  What motivates us is primarily President Biden, for whom Africa represents the future, the future for the United States.  Soon, one in four people will be African; the voices of Africa are increasingly heard around the world in all international meetings; and for us, it represents both an opportunity and, I think, a need to connect with a rising, young population.  We had all the African leaders in Washington last year, and this trip is a follow-up to that meeting, to ensure that all the commitments we made in Washington are followed through. QUESTION:  Speaking of commitments, indeed, in 2022, the Biden-Harris administration pledged to invest $55 billion over three years in Africa.  Where do we stand? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  All of that is in progress.  We have significant investment, especially from the private sector.  The government’s role is to incentivize this investment, to support it if necessary, for example, in risk and insurance.  And it’s going well, I believe, in the sense that we see investments not only in infrastructure but also in healthcare systems, food security, combating climate change.  All of this is happening through — QUESTION:  And security as well? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  — and especially security because you need a security foundation to do all the other things we want to do. QUESTION:  So in recent years, we’ve observed an unprecedented pace of visits to Africa by the United States. It seems that the continent has become a priority again under the presidency of Joe Biden.  How do you explain this paradigm shift? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s obvious, as I mentioned, that Africa represents not only the future but also the present.  When I travel around the world, African voices are increasingly heard.  At the United Nations, Africa and the countries that make up Africa are a significant power.  We recently included Africa in the G20 under the leadership of the United States.  We want to see Africa integrated into all international institutions and, indeed, play a role that corresponds to the weight Africa holds in the world. QUESTION:  So let’s go back to the last U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which accelerated cooperation between your country and Côte d’Ivoire, covering various areas.  What are the priority focus areas? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  The priority focus areas are investments in infrastructure, education, health, food security, and combating climate change.  These are the most important areas, but there is also a focus on youth and women because they need to be integrated into the economies — QUESTION:  Towards a more inclusive economy? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  A more inclusive economy, because if women were included in the economy equally with men, we would add $28 trillion to the global economy.  That’s extraordinary.  So we want to do that, but what’s important is to do it in partnership.  We listen to each other.  We learn from each other.  It’s not just an investment in dollars; it’s also an investment in partnership, in relationships. QUESTION:  But is this partnership truly a win-win?  The famous win-win that is often talked about? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Yes, it has to be.  It has to work for the communities here in Africa, for example, that attract investment.  It has to work for them, not just for the investors.  And it’s precisely by listening to the communities, listening to our partners, that we ensure what we’re doing is truly win-win and contributes to the well-being of our partners. QUESTION:  Because Africa, in recent years, seems to have become a battleground for influence among major powers.  At what point do we think about the future of Africans? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s not for us to say they have to choose.  On the contrary, for us, the question is to present a good choice.  And then people will decide. QUESTION:  It’s for Africans to choose — SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Exactly. QUESTION: So, for this last question, I’ll go back to the world of sport.  You’ve come during the Africa Cup of Nations, and the United States of America will host the next World Cup in 2026.  Everyone says that this CAN is the most beautiful in history.  Will you get in touch with the relevant authorities to seek advice in terms of organization? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Absolutely.  Absolutely.  I’m here, taking notes, watching, listening.  The work here in Côte d’Ivoire is remarkable, in terms of organization and professionalism, and we need to learn.  We need to learn the positive lessons from what’s happening here because we do have a challenge ahead of us in organizing the World Cup.  So I’m here with my notepad.  I’m taking the lessons. QUESTION:  Thank you very much. This concludes the interview.  Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.  This concludes the interview with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has left to watch the match.  Thank you for your attention.  Enjoy the rest of the programs on RTI-1.

Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to India

01/23/2024

Assistant Secretary Pyatt’s Travel to India 01/23/2024 04:49 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to New Delhi and Hyderabad January 26-31.  In New Delhi, he will speak on two panels at the India-U.S. Forum focusing on shared energy priorities, and on opportunities and challenges around critical minerals for the global energy transition.  He will also meet with senior Indian officials on our shared agenda around energy transition, reliable supply chains, and energy security.  In Hyderabad, he will meet with private sector officials and innovators to explore opportunities to accelerate the energy transition and diversify renewable energy supply chains.  Assistant Secretary Pyatt will also advance commercial cooperation with private sector partners in India’s rapidly-growing clean energy sector.  India is a vital energy partner for the United States and a member of the Minerals Security Partnership. For further media information, please contact ENR-PD-Clearances@state.gov.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability 01/23/2024 06:31 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability Remarks January 23, 2024 MODERATOR:  Your Excellency the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Your Excellency the 71st United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken; distinguished members of the Nigerian and American delegations present; ladies and gentlemen of the press – good evening. Over the course of the last one hour, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken have engaged in robust and constructive discussions on Nigeria-United States bilateral relations.  They elaborated on how to expand its frontiers in several areas of shared mutual interests.  Following extensive deliberations, Ambassador Tuggar and Secretary Blinken are now ready to address the local and international press.  The ground rules for this joint press briefing are as follows.  After the remarks by their excellencies, the honorable minister of foreign affairs and the United States Secretary of State, four questions will be entertained – two questions from the Nigerian press corps and two questions from the United States press corps. Kindly remember to introduce yourself and your organization before asking your questions when it is time for the Q&A session to begin.  Without further ado, Honorable Minister, you may take the floor.  FOREIGN MINISTER TUGGAR:  Thank you very much.  A very good evening to you all.  Today, we’re happy and honored to be receiving the United States Secretary of State, Secretary Blinken, here in Abuja at the presidential villa, where he met with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with my good self and a number of my colleagues, honorable ministers. And during the course of that meeting, several issues were discussed of a bilateral nature, as well as multilateral nature.  They ranged from food security to agriculture to pharmaceuticals to security itself here in the region.  And I have to say that the discussions were very fruitful, and a decision was also made that a number of these issues will be further discussed at the upcoming Nigeria-U.S. Binational Commission.  That is, if I’m correct, coming up between the 11th and the 13th of March, so that’s around the corner. It is also important to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought up the issue of Nigeria’s membership and participation in the G20 as well as the United Nations Security Council.  As we’re all aware, Nigeria is the most populous nation on the African continent.  It has the largest economy.  And therefore, along with the 4-D – President Tinubu’s 4-D foreign policy agenda of democracy, development, demography, and diaspora, we feel it necessary and deem it fit for Nigeria to be ably represented in these decision-making bodies.  And we’re aspiring for that. To paraphrase the late Moshood Abiola, you must not shave a man’s head in his absence. Because, by some accounts, as many as 60 percent of the resolutions passed by the UN Security Council in one way or the other are related to Africa, so Africa needs to be represented.  And I’ll stop here for now to allow Secretary Blinken to expatiate further.  Thank you.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  And good evening as well to everyone.  Foreign Minister, thank you so much for your engagement today, and in fact, every day, as we’re working so many issues that we share in common.  And for me, it’s great to be back in Nigeria.  I mentioned to the president, actually this is my third visit as Secretary of State, because the very – one of the very first things I did as secretary was to visit Nigeria virtually.  Remember the days when we weren’t traveling because of COVID?  But one of the first things that we did do is organize a virtual visit here to Nigeria, then I came here the following year, and it is very good to be back here today. At the UN General Assembly just this past September, President Tinubu said, and I quote, “Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”  I’m here in Nigeria at President Biden’s behest, and earlier this week we were in Cabo Verde and Côte d’Ivoire, and we’ll be going to Angola, because we share that conviction.  Africa has shaped our past; it is shaping the present; it will shape our future.  The United States is committed to strengthening genuine partnerships on the continent, to work to solve shared challenges, and also to deliver on the promise and the fundamental aspirations of our peoples.  Nigeria, as Africa’s largest country, largest economy, largest democracy, is essential to that effort.  And we are doing a lot of work together already to drive in a positive direction.  We’re driving climate action, as partners in the Global Methane coalition.  We’re pushing for permanent representation for African voices at the UN Security Council, in other international organizations that need to reflect the realities of today, not just the day that they were created many, many years ago.  We’re working and collaborating to support the development and use of artificial intelligence for good.  With 30 other Atlantic countries, we’re driving blue economic development, environmental protection, science and technology exchange through a new partnership for Atlantic cooperation. Today, as the foreign minister mentioned, with President Tinubu, with the foreign minister and other colleagues, we spoke about a range of common priorities, including our focus on accelerating economic growth and opportunity here in Nigeria.  This is a place of extraordinary innovation, extraordinary dynamism.  I’ve had the opportunity to visit many times over the years.  I’ve seen that each and every time, and I expect to see more of that in Lagos tomorrow. American entrepreneurs, American companies are eager to partner with and invest in Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the tech sector.  We have tech giants that are teamed up with Nigerian partners to help meet President Tinubu’s one-million-digital-jobs initiative.  Other companies are hard at work laying undersea cables, using satellite technology to expand access to the internet.  Our tech incubators are fostering Nigeria’s next startups.  Our venture capital companies are working to finance them. So we want to work in partnership to help drive Nigeria’s technological revolution, which is creating jobs, it’s growing businesses, and it’s spurring innovations in both of our countries, because one of the things we’ve learned from these partnerships is that it benefits us as much as any place or any company that we’re investing in.  We’re learning a lot from it; we’re getting a lot from it.  And one of the initiatives that President Biden laid out – a Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative – we see as particularly energized, and it’s a particular area of focus for us. Now, Nigeria offers real, clear, compelling opportunities for investors.  At the same time, I think it’s no secret that there remain some long-term challenges that need to be overcome to really unlock the full potential – tackling corruption, making it easier for foreign companies to repatriate capital.  These will all pull in a transformative direction and pull in transformative investment.  I know that President Tinubu’s focused on these challenges, and we also welcome his very bold economic reforms to unify the currency and fuel subsidies.  We also recognize that, in the short term, these reforms have created pain for vulnerable communities.  I spoke about some ways that the United States can support Nigerians while the government carries out these essential reforms and works to protect those who may – again, in the short term – be negatively affected. We also discussed our very consequential work on public health, something that the minister mentioned.  One of the things I must say as an American I’m proudest of is PEPFAR, initiated by President Bush, carried on by successive presidents of both parties.  Over the last 20 years, PEPFAR has saved well over 20 million lives and changed for the better many more.  Over the last 20 years, we’ve invested $8.3 billion in HIV and tuberculosis prevention, care, and treatment, and in strengthening the public health system, reaching millions of Nigerians.  And that effort will continue. Our partnership is also strengthening Nigerian institutions to innovate and lead the region’s public health response.  Tomorrow, as I mentioned, we’ll be Lagos.  I’ll get a chance to visit the Institute of Medical Research here in Nigeria to learn more about the achievements that the government has made to respond to HIV, to respond to COVID-19, to respond to tuberculosis, to respond to other infectious diseases.  With assistance that was provided through the PEPFAR platform, our U.S. Agency for International Development as well, and the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. National Institutes for Health, the NIMR has developed world-class laboratories that are making significant differences in Nigeria’s work to detect and to combat disease. On security, which we also discussed at some length, the United States is determined to be and remain a strong security partner for Nigeria.  I want to extend the condolences of the American people to all Nigerians who were affected by the horrific attacks over the Christmas weekend.  We mourn their loss, and all killed in recent attacks, including – by the way – staff from our United States mission, locally employed staff and four police officers who were killed in Anambra last May.  As I told the president and the foreign minister, the United States will support Nigeria as it works to bring about a more secure, a more peaceful, and a more prosperous future for its people.  Fundamentally, this outcome is an investment in the foundations of an inclusive, democratic society – a focus on equal opportunity for all regardless of ethnicity, religion, or any other group distinction.  That helps build the social cohesion.  That also deters banditry, deters terrorism, deters violent extremism.  I also shared how our own experience in combatting terrorism around the world over more than 20 years has highlighted just how important civilian security, human rights, and accountability are to achieving genuine and enduring security.  We’ve had to learn our lessons in doing this, and it’s important for us to share our own experience with our friends and partners.  We also discussed challenges to democracy and security in West Africa.  We very much appreciate Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS to try to move to a return to the constitutional order and democracy in Niger after it’s been disrupted.  And we talked about building on the important summit that President Tinubu shared in December to try to see Niger get back on to the constitutional path.  Many other things that we covered in the conversations we had.  As the minister mentioned, we have our Binational Commission meeting in a very short time to focus both on bilateral issues between us but also to focus on our common regional and global agenda, because one of the hallmarks, I think, of the relationship between our countries is that increasingly not only are we focused on our bilateral work, but also on regional and indeed global challenges.  And that’s a source of great strength, I believe, for both our countries.  This is an incredibly dynamic and consequential time for our partnership.  I am grateful to the foreign minister and to President Tinubu for the opportunity to be here in Nigeria.  Thank you.  MODERATOR:  At this juncture, the session for question and answer will commence.  As I mentioned earlier, there will be four questions entertained: two from the Nigerian press corps and two from the United States press corps.  They will be handled from one press corps each to the next.  And I will begin by calling on Adesuwa Omoruan of Arise News Nigeria. QUESTION:  Thank you very much, (inaudible).  Foreign Minister, Secretary Blinken, can I just say that you missed watching the better football game at AFCON yesterday where our Super Eagles emerged victorious, and that the game you saw in Abidjan where Ivory Coast was – suffered a crushing and crashing-out defeat.  But to my question.  I just thought I should put that out, Mr. Secretary.  Secretary, the U.S. has demonstrated its willingness to support the likes of Ukraine and other embattled democracies when threatened by anti-democratic powers.  In line with this, Nigerians have asked the question why similar levels of support in terms of hard equipment, financing, and intelligence are not provided at a similar scale with a similar level of urgency given the fact that there is a clear attempt by some powers to create a belt of dictatorships at the expense of democracy in the Sahel.  And permit me, Mr. Secretary:  Why is the U.S. and its allies not showing the same level of concern considering the level of insecurity and infrastructural devastation present in some regions in Nigeria?  You have just said some of your workers were affected in the recent – and you have – in recent killings.  And you have reassured President Bola Tinubu, but Nigerians will wonder why it seems as if the U.S. and its allies are less concerned about the sustenance and development of democracies in Africa compared to the democracies in Europe like we see you do.  Thank you very much.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Let me start by saying that we were very impressed with the Super Eagles.  And of course, as a good diplomat I’m not going to pick sides, but we wish very well for the Super Eagles as they move forward in the tournament.  Let me say this in response to, I think, a very important question.  I have to tell you we are intensely focused on challenges to security in the region, in the Sahel; intensely focused because of the impact that it’s having on our friends and partners; intensely focused because of the broader impact that insecurity can have on all of us, including the United States.  And we talked – we’ve already talked a little bit about Niger, where the leadership that President Tinubu is showing through ECOWAS we hope can make a difference in restoring the constitutional order and restoring a critical partner in trying to find security in the region.  One thing I can also say is this.  As some countries have looked to various ways of providing security, including going to partners like the Wagner Group, what we’ve seen is actually the problem getting manifestly worse and worse and worse.  We see the exploitation of people and resources by Wagner.  We’ve actually seen violence and extremism in the countries where it’s been operating go up, not down – in fact, go up dramatically. Having said that, it’s important that we be working to support our partners who are trying to find effective ways of fighting insecurity.  And we are working to support Nigeria, we’re working to support our Lake Chad regional partners, to strengthen the capacity of their security forces in a whole variety of ways to deal with insecurity.  And yes, that does go to equipment, technology, to weapons, and we’re working on that.  But it also goes to many other things, including information sharing, intelligence, technical support, advice, and it goes to having a comprehensive approach that genuinely focuses on citizen security – working with local communities in partnership, demonstrating that security forces are there first and foremost to protect them and to support their needs.  By the way, that was an approach that was delivering results in Niger when President Bazoum was in office before he was deposed in a coup.  And in every place where there’s been an unconstitutional change in leadership, as I said, things have only gotten worse.  So when you look at what we are doing, we’re providing assistance through a variety of means:  through our diplomacy, engaging with other countries; through our security assistance; through police and military and justice program reforms, which are vital; through dialogue efforts; through development programs.  All of these things work hand in hand. Now, it’s also vitally important from our perspective and the perspective of our Congress that there be a focus on making sure that civilians are protected, that humanitarian considerations be taken into consideration and a concern, as all of these efforts are underway.  And that’s part of our dialogue and conversation too with our partners in Nigeria and elsewhere in the region. MODERATOR:  Hands up from the United States press corps, those who would like to ask a question.  Please introduce yourself. QUESTION:  Julian Pecquet from Jeune Afrique and the Africa Report.  I have a follow-up question to my Nigerian colleague’s question.  Your meeting today as the Sahel is increasingly fragmented, as you know – I was wondering if you think West African leaders and their Western allies should engage with coup leaders.  Presidents Biden and President Tinubu are both reluctant to accept the coup in Niger, understandably, but does that risk pushing the junta to – into the hands of the Russians, just like Mali and Burkina Faso?  Thank you.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, I don’t think these two things are inconsistent.  We, of course, don’t recognize what happened in Niger or in other countries where a coup has taken place.  And in fact, we clearly declared the fact that there had been a coup.  The question is:  What is the most effective way to get back on the democratic track, in the case of Niger to return to constitutional order.  And that also involves some engagement with those who perpetrated the coup, which is exactly what ECOWAS has done, what President Tinubu has done, what we’ve done in engaging with the CNSP and setting out what is necessary if Niger is to once again enjoy the relationships that it had with all of us, including assistance, including cooperation on counterterrorism, including other forms of support. So I don’t think these things are inconsistent.  And as I mentioned, back in December there was a very important meeting between ECOWAS chaired by President Tinubu and the – those responsible for the coup in Niger to just be very clear about what we’re looking for, what the region is looking for, what ECOWAS is looking for, what the international community is looking for to get Niger back on track. Now, we’ll see if that – if that produces results.  But I think being very clear about what happened, very clear about what we’re doing about it, but also having the appropriate engagement is necessary to see if we can move this to a better place.  MODERATOR:  The second question from the Nigerian press corps, please raise your hand.  Go ahead and introduce yourself, please. QUESTION:  Thank you, (inaudible).  My name is Stephen Angbulu.  I write for the Punch newspapers.  Secretary Blinken, the policies of President Bola Tinubu seem to align closely with many prescriptions and recommendations of the World Bank and Western allies.  They include policies such as the removal of longstanding subsidies on petrol and of course the unification of the foreign exchange rates, among others.  Nigerians anticipated a reciprocal boost in infrastructural investment and U.S. dollar liquidity injection, the kind seen in Egypt, Ethiopia, Israel, and others.  Well, that has not been forthcoming.  President Joe Biden launched the Build Back Better World program for infrastructural investment in developing countries.  Now, what can you tell Nigerians about the extent of investment across sectors that the United States is ready and willing to commit to the Nigerian economy?  And what encumbrances, if any, do you see in the way of tens of billions of dollars’ worth of investment in infrastructure and U.S. dollar-denominated liquidity?  Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  Well, as I mentioned before – and I think a few things are important here.  One is what I’m hearing, what I’m seeing is very real interest on the part of American companies, American investors in working here in Nigeria, investing here in Nigeria, helping partner with Nigeria; and in so doing, create new jobs, new opportunities, and even new industries.  This is a big focus of our binational commission and the work that we’re doing together. I mention as well, though, there are – there remain some impediments that we hear from our own business community that I think stand in the way of maximizing those opportunities.  One is the repatriation of capital.  This is important.  I know the central bank governor is working on that.  And second is the ongoing effort to combat corruption, because companies that come in and invest want to make sure that they’re going to be investing with a fair and level playing field, and corruption of course is a big impediment to that. Having said all of that, look, I do think we’re seeing real movement.  When we had the Africa Leaders Summit hosted by President Biden, one of the commitments we made was to generate an additional $55 billion in private sector investment in Africa over the next three years.  Well, here we are one year after the summit, and we are 40 percent of the way to achieving that goal.  By the end – by two years out after the summit, based on the trajectory we’re on now, we’ll be at 70 percent of that goal, and we will achieve the goal in the three years, as President Biden set out.  That’s just one, albeit an important manifestation, not only of our commitment to generating more private sector investment, but actually to doing it.  And as I – President Tinubu and I had a chance to discuss this.  I think there are responsibilities on all sides.  One, as I mentioned, are the things that can be done here in Nigeria to create the best possible climate for investment.  But two, on our end, is to use all of the tools of government that we can to support that.  Because for the United States, as much as we are doing with assistance programs of one kind or another, as much as we are doing as being the leading contributor by far to virtually every United Nations program that helps other countries – and that may not be so known to people, because it may have a United Nations label on it as opposed to a USA label on it – there is more that we can and President Biden is doing to help us generate private sector investment, which is really the comparative advantage that we bring.  And that includes using some of the tools in our government that have not been used as effectively before to support the private sector in terms of risk investment, in terms of supporting in one way or another the investments with insurance, with participation.  We have tools like the Development Finance Corporation, like the Export-Import Bank, and others that are now working together in ways that they haven’t before, and firing on all cylinders.  It’s a whole-of-government approach to trying to generate and target private sector investment. One last thing.  I am convinced more than ever before that in Africa in general, in Nigeria in particular because of its extraordinary strengths, so much more can and should be made in Africa – for Africans, but also for the entire world.  I think there are tremendous opportunities here, for example in the pharmaceutical sector, to make things here in Nigeria.  But that also requires doing things like strengthening the regulatory agencies that are responsible for overseeing something as complicated and as challenging as pharmaceuticals, and also so that Nigeria can be an exporter to other countries in the region, harmonizing regulations and rules with other countries in the region.  So there’s a lot of work that goes into this, but the foundation is there, the intent is there, the energy is there as we both do what’s necessary to create the strongest possible environment for investment here, to maximize the tools that we have at our disposal, to support private sector investment.  I think you’ll see that moving forward in very significant ways. MODERATOR:  Permit me, Your Excellencies, to remind the participants present here that following the next question and answer, this session will come to a close.  And the reason why I mention this now is because it is important that everyone remain seated while the United States Secretary of State and the honorable minister of foreign affairs depart from this hall.  Without further ado, I invite the next question from the U.S. press corps. QUESTION:  Thank you.  Good evening.  Michael Crowley with The New York Times.  Secretary Blinken, you have said that among the principles the U.S. believes in for the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza, one of them is that Israel must not create buffer zones or change the size of Palestinian territory within Gaza.  There’s some reporting and indications that Israel may, in fact, be beginning to do that now.  I wonder, first, do you believe that to be the case?  Are you seeing those indications that Israel may be trying to create buffer areas?  And if that is the case, what might the Biden administration be trying to do to prevent that? Mr. Minister, my question for you also relates to the conflict in Gaza.  Nigeria has supported a ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations.  The United States does not support a ceasefire in Gaza, and I wonder whether that difference in position and the U.S. position toward the conflict in Gaza might be causing any harm to America’s image within your country where there have been demonstrations in support of the Palestinians and calls for a ceasefire.  Thank you both. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Michael, happy to start.  So, as you said, we’ve been – we’ve been very clear going back some months now about some basic principles when it comes to the way forward for Gaza and more broadly.  And with regard to Gaza, we’ve been very clear our opposition to the forced displacement of people.  We’ve been very clear about maintaining in effect the territorial integrity of Gaza, which is what you’ve alluded to, and a number of other critical principles, including Palestinian governance of Gaza reunified with the West Bank, et cetera. Whether there need to be and it’s appropriate to have transitional arrangements as Israel reduces the intensity of its military operations in Gaza and ultimately brings them to a conclusion in order to both ensure its security, to make sure that October 7th can never happen again, and then get to a place where we have more permanent arrangements that go to the governance of Gaza, the security of Gaza, the redevelopment of Gaza, I think that’s – that’s one question.  But we’ve been very clear about opposing any permanent change to Gaza’s territory configuration. Now, one thing that’s also very important:  You’ve had in Israel hundreds of thousands of people in the south and in the north taken together who’ve been forced because of insecurity to flee their homes – of course the people in southern Israel adjacent to Gaza after October 7th, as well as people in northern Israel because of insecurity coming from the border with Lebanon.  And it is totally appropriate and something we support that those people be able to return to their homes and that the necessary security arrangements be in place to give them the confidence to do that.  So again, if there need – if there need to be transitional arrangements to enable that to happen, that’s one thing.  But when it comes to the permanent status of Gaza going forward, we’ve been clear, we remain clear about not encroaching on its territory. FOREIGN MINISTER TUGGAR:  Thank you.  The issue of Gaza is one that President Tinubu brought up during the course of the discussions, and it was deliberated upon; it was discussed extensively.  The approach here is to focus on the commonalities.  So one thing we have in common – a common denominator between the U.S. and Nigeria – is the fact that we both agree that the way forward is a two-state solution, and I think that’s not in doubt.  Having said that, of course, each country behaves with regards to foreign policy with the influence of its domestic politics and domestic influences.  So it’s not surprising that Nigeria, of course, has been from the get-go very expressive with regards to the issue of proportionality of violence.  The Israeli approach in Gaza, we’ve expressed concerns, which is why I was part of a seven-member committee of foreign ministers that went around to world capitals calling for a cessation of fire.  So that remains, but we focus on the commonalities, not on the differences.  Thank you. QUESTION:  Thank you.  MODERATOR:  This session has come to a close.  Please remain seated.  Please remain seated as the – their excellencies, the principals, depart the hall. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability

01/23/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability 01/23/2024 06:31 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at a Joint Press Availability Remarks January 23, 2024 MODERATOR:  Your Excellency the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Your Excellency the 71st United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken; distinguished members of the Nigerian and American delegations present; ladies and gentlemen of the press – good evening. Over the course of the last one hour, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken have engaged in robust and constructive discussions on Nigeria-United States bilateral relations.  They elaborated on how to expand its frontiers in several areas of shared mutual interests.  Following extensive deliberations, Ambassador Tuggar and Secretary Blinken are now ready to address the local and international press.  The ground rules for this joint press briefing are as follows.  After the remarks by their excellencies, the honorable minister of foreign affairs and the United States Secretary of State, four questions will be entertained – two questions from the Nigerian press corps and two questions from the United States press corps. Kindly remember to introduce yourself and your organization before asking your questions when it is time for the Q&A session to begin.  Without further ado, Honorable Minister, you may take the floor.  FOREIGN MINISTER TUGGAR:  Thank you very much.  A very good evening to you all.  Today, we’re happy and honored to be receiving the United States Secretary of State, Secretary Blinken, here in Abuja at the presidential villa, where he met with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with my good self and a number of my colleagues, honorable ministers. And during the course of that meeting, several issues were discussed of a bilateral nature, as well as multilateral nature.  They ranged from food security to agriculture to pharmaceuticals to security itself here in the region.  And I have to say that the discussions were very fruitful, and a decision was also made that a number of these issues will be further discussed at the upcoming Nigeria-U.S. Binational Commission.  That is, if I’m correct, coming up between the 11th and the 13th of March, so that’s around the corner. It is also important to note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought up the issue of Nigeria’s membership and participation in the G20 as well as the United Nations Security Council.  As we’re all aware, Nigeria is the most populous nation on the African continent.  It has the largest economy.  And therefore, along with the 4-D – President Tinubu’s 4-D foreign policy agenda of democracy, development, demography, and diaspora, we feel it necessary and deem it fit for Nigeria to be ably represented in these decision-making bodies.  And we’re aspiring for that. To paraphrase the late Moshood Abiola, you must not shave a man’s head in his absence. Because, by some accounts, as many as 60 percent of the resolutions passed by the UN Security Council in one way or the other are related to Africa, so Africa needs to be represented.  And I’ll stop here for now to allow Secretary Blinken to expatiate further.  Thank you.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  And good evening as well to everyone.  Foreign Minister, thank you so much for your engagement today, and in fact, every day, as we’re working so many issues that we share in common.  And for me, it’s great to be back in Nigeria.  I mentioned to the president, actually this is my third visit as Secretary of State, because the very – one of the very first things I did as secretary was to visit Nigeria virtually.  Remember the days when we weren’t traveling because of COVID?  But one of the first things that we did do is organize a virtual visit here to Nigeria, then I came here the following year, and it is very good to be back here today. At the UN General Assembly just this past September, President Tinubu said, and I quote, “Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”  I’m here in Nigeria at President Biden’s behest, and earlier this week we were in Cabo Verde and Côte d’Ivoire, and we’ll be going to Angola, because we share that conviction.  Africa has shaped our past; it is shaping the present; it will shape our future.  The United States is committed to strengthening genuine partnerships on the continent, to work to solve shared challenges, and also to deliver on the promise and the fundamental aspirations of our peoples.  Nigeria, as Africa’s largest country, largest economy, largest democracy, is essential to that effort.  And we are doing a lot of work together already to drive in a positive direction.  We’re driving climate action, as partners in the Global Methane coalition.  We’re pushing for permanent representation for African voices at the UN Security Council, in other international organizations that need to reflect the realities of today, not just the day that they were created many, many years ago.  We’re working and collaborating to support the development and use of artificial intelligence for good.  With 30 other Atlantic countries, we’re driving blue economic development, environmental protection, science and technology exchange through a new partnership for Atlantic cooperation. Today, as the foreign minister mentioned, with President Tinubu, with the foreign minister and other colleagues, we spoke about a range of common priorities, including our focus on accelerating economic growth and opportunity here in Nigeria.  This is a place of extraordinary innovation, extraordinary dynamism.  I’ve had the opportunity to visit many times over the years.  I’ve seen that each and every time, and I expect to see more of that in Lagos tomorrow. American entrepreneurs, American companies are eager to partner with and invest in Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the tech sector.  We have tech giants that are teamed up with Nigerian partners to help meet President Tinubu’s one-million-digital-jobs initiative.  Other companies are hard at work laying undersea cables, using satellite technology to expand access to the internet.  Our tech incubators are fostering Nigeria’s next startups.  Our venture capital companies are working to finance them. So we want to work in partnership to help drive Nigeria’s technological revolution, which is creating jobs, it’s growing businesses, and it’s spurring innovations in both of our countries, because one of the things we’ve learned from these partnerships is that it benefits us as much as any place or any company that we’re investing in.  We’re learning a lot from it; we’re getting a lot from it.  And one of the initiatives that President Biden laid out – a Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative – we see as particularly energized, and it’s a particular area of focus for us. Now, Nigeria offers real, clear, compelling opportunities for investors.  At the same time, I think it’s no secret that there remain some long-term challenges that need to be overcome to really unlock the full potential – tackling corruption, making it easier for foreign companies to repatriate capital.  These will all pull in a transformative direction and pull in transformative investment.  I know that President Tinubu’s focused on these challenges, and we also welcome his very bold economic reforms to unify the currency and fuel subsidies.  We also recognize that, in the short term, these reforms have created pain for vulnerable communities.  I spoke about some ways that the United States can support Nigerians while the government carries out these essential reforms and works to protect those who may – again, in the short term – be negatively affected. We also discussed our very consequential work on public health, something that the minister mentioned.  One of the things I must say as an American I’m proudest of is PEPFAR, initiated by President Bush, carried on by successive presidents of both parties.  Over the last 20 years, PEPFAR has saved well over 20 million lives and changed for the better many more.  Over the last 20 years, we’ve invested $8.3 billion in HIV and tuberculosis prevention, care, and treatment, and in strengthening the public health system, reaching millions of Nigerians.  And that effort will continue. Our partnership is also strengthening Nigerian institutions to innovate and lead the region’s public health response.  Tomorrow, as I mentioned, we’ll be Lagos.  I’ll get a chance to visit the Institute of Medical Research here in Nigeria to learn more about the achievements that the government has made to respond to HIV, to respond to COVID-19, to respond to tuberculosis, to respond to other infectious diseases.  With assistance that was provided through the PEPFAR platform, our U.S. Agency for International Development as well, and the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. National Institutes for Health, the NIMR has developed world-class laboratories that are making significant differences in Nigeria’s work to detect and to combat disease. On security, which we also discussed at some length, the United States is determined to be and remain a strong security partner for Nigeria.  I want to extend the condolences of the American people to all Nigerians who were affected by the horrific attacks over the Christmas weekend.  We mourn their loss, and all killed in recent attacks, including – by the way – staff from our United States mission, locally employed staff and four police officers who were killed in Anambra last May.  As I told the president and the foreign minister, the United States will support Nigeria as it works to bring about a more secure, a more peaceful, and a more prosperous future for its people.  Fundamentally, this outcome is an investment in the foundations of an inclusive, democratic society – a focus on equal opportunity for all regardless of ethnicity, religion, or any other group distinction.  That helps build the social cohesion.  That also deters banditry, deters terrorism, deters violent extremism.  I also shared how our own experience in combatting terrorism around the world over more than 20 years has highlighted just how important civilian security, human rights, and accountability are to achieving genuine and enduring security.  We’ve had to learn our lessons in doing this, and it’s important for us to share our own experience with our friends and partners.  We also discussed challenges to democracy and security in West Africa.  We very much appreciate Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS to try to move to a return to the constitutional order and democracy in Niger after it’s been disrupted.  And we talked about building on the important summit that President Tinubu shared in December to try to see Niger get back on to the constitutional path.  Many other things that we covered in the conversations we had.  As the minister mentioned, we have our Binational Commission meeting in a very short time to focus both on bilateral issues between us but also to focus on our common regional and global agenda, because one of the hallmarks, I think, of the relationship between our countries is that increasingly not only are we focused on our bilateral work, but also on regional and indeed global challenges.  And that’s a source of great strength, I believe, for both our countries.  This is an incredibly dynamic and consequential time for our partnership.  I am grateful to the foreign minister and to President Tinubu for the opportunity to be here in Nigeria.  Thank you.  MODERATOR:  At this juncture, the session for question and answer will commence.  As I mentioned earlier, there will be four questions entertained: two from the Nigerian press corps and two from the United States press corps.  They will be handled from one press corps each to the next.  And I will begin by calling on Adesuwa Omoruan of Arise News Nigeria. QUESTION:  Thank you very much, (inaudible).  Foreign Minister, Secretary Blinken, can I just say that you missed watching the better football game at AFCON yesterday where our Super Eagles emerged victorious, and that the game you saw in Abidjan where Ivory Coast was – suffered a crushing and crashing-out defeat.  But to my question.  I just thought I should put that out, Mr. Secretary.  Secretary, the U.S. has demonstrated its willingness to support the likes of Ukraine and other embattled democracies when threatened by anti-democratic powers.  In line with this, Nigerians have asked the question why similar levels of support in terms of hard equipment, financing, and intelligence are not provided at a similar scale with a similar level of urgency given the fact that there is a clear attempt by some powers to create a belt of dictatorships at the expense of democracy in the Sahel.  And permit me, Mr. Secretary:  Why is the U.S. and its allies not showing the same level of concern considering the level of insecurity and infrastructural devastation present in some regions in Nigeria?  You have just said some of your workers were affected in the recent – and you have – in recent killings.  And you have reassured President Bola Tinubu, but Nigerians will wonder why it seems as if the U.S. and its allies are less concerned about the sustenance and development of democracies in Africa compared to the democracies in Europe like we see you do.  Thank you very much.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Let me start by saying that we were very impressed with the Super Eagles.  And of course, as a good diplomat I’m not going to pick sides, but we wish very well for the Super Eagles as they move forward in the tournament.  Let me say this in response to, I think, a very important question.  I have to tell you we are intensely focused on challenges to security in the region, in the Sahel; intensely focused because of the impact that it’s having on our friends and partners; intensely focused because of the broader impact that insecurity can have on all of us, including the United States.  And we talked – we’ve already talked a little bit about Niger, where the leadership that President Tinubu is showing through ECOWAS we hope can make a difference in restoring the constitutional order and restoring a critical partner in trying to find security in the region.  One thing I can also say is this.  As some countries have looked to various ways of providing security, including going to partners like the Wagner Group, what we’ve seen is actually the problem getting manifestly worse and worse and worse.  We see the exploitation of people and resources by Wagner.  We’ve actually seen violence and extremism in the countries where it’s been operating go up, not down – in fact, go up dramatically. Having said that, it’s important that we be working to support our partners who are trying to find effective ways of fighting insecurity.  And we are working to support Nigeria, we’re working to support our Lake Chad regional partners, to strengthen the capacity of their security forces in a whole variety of ways to deal with insecurity.  And yes, that does go to equipment, technology, to weapons, and we’re working on that.  But it also goes to many other things, including information sharing, intelligence, technical support, advice, and it goes to having a comprehensive approach that genuinely focuses on citizen security – working with local communities in partnership, demonstrating that security forces are there first and foremost to protect them and to support their needs.  By the way, that was an approach that was delivering results in Niger when President Bazoum was in office before he was deposed in a coup.  And in every place where there’s been an unconstitutional change in leadership, as I said, things have only gotten worse.  So when you look at what we are doing, we’re providing assistance through a variety of means:  through our diplomacy, engaging with other countries; through our security assistance; through police and military and justice program reforms, which are vital; through dialogue efforts; through development programs.  All of these things work hand in hand. Now, it’s also vitally important from our perspective and the perspective of our Congress that there be a focus on making sure that civilians are protected, that humanitarian considerations be taken into consideration and a concern, as all of these efforts are underway.  And that’s part of our dialogue and conversation too with our partners in Nigeria and elsewhere in the region. MODERATOR:  Hands up from the United States press corps, those who would like to ask a question.  Please introduce yourself. QUESTION:  Julian Pecquet from Jeune Afrique and the Africa Report.  I have a follow-up question to my Nigerian colleague’s question.  Your meeting today as the Sahel is increasingly fragmented, as you know – I was wondering if you think West African leaders and their Western allies should engage with coup leaders.  Presidents Biden and President Tinubu are both reluctant to accept the coup in Niger, understandably, but does that risk pushing the junta to – into the hands of the Russians, just like Mali and Burkina Faso?  Thank you.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, I don’t think these two things are inconsistent.  We, of course, don’t recognize what happened in Niger or in other countries where a coup has taken place.  And in fact, we clearly declared the fact that there had been a coup.  The question is:  What is the most effective way to get back on the democratic track, in the case of Niger to return to constitutional order.  And that also involves some engagement with those who perpetrated the coup, which is exactly what ECOWAS has done, what President Tinubu has done, what we’ve done in engaging with the CNSP and setting out what is necessary if Niger is to once again enjoy the relationships that it had with all of us, including assistance, including cooperation on counterterrorism, including other forms of support. So I don’t think these things are inconsistent.  And as I mentioned, back in December there was a very important meeting between ECOWAS chaired by President Tinubu and the – those responsible for the coup in Niger to just be very clear about what we’re looking for, what the region is looking for, what ECOWAS is looking for, what the international community is looking for to get Niger back on track. Now, we’ll see if that – if that produces results.  But I think being very clear about what happened, very clear about what we’re doing about it, but also having the appropriate engagement is necessary to see if we can move this to a better place.  MODERATOR:  The second question from the Nigerian press corps, please raise your hand.  Go ahead and introduce yourself, please. QUESTION:  Thank you, (inaudible).  My name is Stephen Angbulu.  I write for the Punch newspapers.  Secretary Blinken, the policies of President Bola Tinubu seem to align closely with many prescriptions and recommendations of the World Bank and Western allies.  They include policies such as the removal of longstanding subsidies on petrol and of course the unification of the foreign exchange rates, among others.  Nigerians anticipated a reciprocal boost in infrastructural investment and U.S. dollar liquidity injection, the kind seen in Egypt, Ethiopia, Israel, and others.  Well, that has not been forthcoming.  President Joe Biden launched the Build Back Better World program for infrastructural investment in developing countries.  Now, what can you tell Nigerians about the extent of investment across sectors that the United States is ready and willing to commit to the Nigerian economy?  And what encumbrances, if any, do you see in the way of tens of billions of dollars’ worth of investment in infrastructure and U.S. dollar-denominated liquidity?  Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  Well, as I mentioned before – and I think a few things are important here.  One is what I’m hearing, what I’m seeing is very real interest on the part of American companies, American investors in working here in Nigeria, investing here in Nigeria, helping partner with Nigeria; and in so doing, create new jobs, new opportunities, and even new industries.  This is a big focus of our binational commission and the work that we’re doing together. I mention as well, though, there are – there remain some impediments that we hear from our own business community that I think stand in the way of maximizing those opportunities.  One is the repatriation of capital.  This is important.  I know the central bank governor is working on that.  And second is the ongoing effort to combat corruption, because companies that come in and invest want to make sure that they’re going to be investing with a fair and level playing field, and corruption of course is a big impediment to that. Having said all of that, look, I do think we’re seeing real movement.  When we had the Africa Leaders Summit hosted by President Biden, one of the commitments we made was to generate an additional $55 billion in private sector investment in Africa over the next three years.  Well, here we are one year after the summit, and we are 40 percent of the way to achieving that goal.  By the end – by two years out after the summit, based on the trajectory we’re on now, we’ll be at 70 percent of that goal, and we will achieve the goal in the three years, as President Biden set out.  That’s just one, albeit an important manifestation, not only of our commitment to generating more private sector investment, but actually to doing it.  And as I – President Tinubu and I had a chance to discuss this.  I think there are responsibilities on all sides.  One, as I mentioned, are the things that can be done here in Nigeria to create the best possible climate for investment.  But two, on our end, is to use all of the tools of government that we can to support that.  Because for the United States, as much as we are doing with assistance programs of one kind or another, as much as we are doing as being the leading contributor by far to virtually every United Nations program that helps other countries – and that may not be so known to people, because it may have a United Nations label on it as opposed to a USA label on it – there is more that we can and President Biden is doing to help us generate private sector investment, which is really the comparative advantage that we bring.  And that includes using some of the tools in our government that have not been used as effectively before to support the private sector in terms of risk investment, in terms of supporting in one way or another the investments with insurance, with participation.  We have tools like the Development Finance Corporation, like the Export-Import Bank, and others that are now working together in ways that they haven’t before, and firing on all cylinders.  It’s a whole-of-government approach to trying to generate and target private sector investment. One last thing.  I am convinced more than ever before that in Africa in general, in Nigeria in particular because of its extraordinary strengths, so much more can and should be made in Africa – for Africans, but also for the entire world.  I think there are tremendous opportunities here, for example in the pharmaceutical sector, to make things here in Nigeria.  But that also requires doing things like strengthening the regulatory agencies that are responsible for overseeing something as complicated and as challenging as pharmaceuticals, and also so that Nigeria can be an exporter to other countries in the region, harmonizing regulations and rules with other countries in the region.  So there’s a lot of work that goes into this, but the foundation is there, the intent is there, the energy is there as we both do what’s necessary to create the strongest possible environment for investment here, to maximize the tools that we have at our disposal, to support private sector investment.  I think you’ll see that moving forward in very significant ways. MODERATOR:  Permit me, Your Excellencies, to remind the participants present here that following the next question and answer, this session will come to a close.  And the reason why I mention this now is because it is important that everyone remain seated while the United States Secretary of State and the honorable minister of foreign affairs depart from this hall.  Without further ado, I invite the next question from the U.S. press corps. QUESTION:  Thank you.  Good evening.  Michael Crowley with The New York Times.  Secretary Blinken, you have said that among the principles the U.S. believes in for the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza, one of them is that Israel must not create buffer zones or change the size of Palestinian territory within Gaza.  There’s some reporting and indications that Israel may, in fact, be beginning to do that now.  I wonder, first, do you believe that to be the case?  Are you seeing those indications that Israel may be trying to create buffer areas?  And if that is the case, what might the Biden administration be trying to do to prevent that? Mr. Minister, my question for you also relates to the conflict in Gaza.  Nigeria has supported a ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations.  The United States does not support a ceasefire in Gaza, and I wonder whether that difference in position and the U.S. position toward the conflict in Gaza might be causing any harm to America’s image within your country where there have been demonstrations in support of the Palestinians and calls for a ceasefire.  Thank you both. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Michael, happy to start.  So, as you said, we’ve been – we’ve been very clear going back some months now about some basic principles when it comes to the way forward for Gaza and more broadly.  And with regard to Gaza, we’ve been very clear our opposition to the forced displacement of people.  We’ve been very clear about maintaining in effect the territorial integrity of Gaza, which is what you’ve alluded to, and a number of other critical principles, including Palestinian governance of Gaza reunified with the West Bank, et cetera. Whether there need to be and it’s appropriate to have transitional arrangements as Israel reduces the intensity of its military operations in Gaza and ultimately brings them to a conclusion in order to both ensure its security, to make sure that October 7th can never happen again, and then get to a place where we have more permanent arrangements that go to the governance of Gaza, the security of Gaza, the redevelopment of Gaza, I think that’s – that’s one question.  But we’ve been very clear about opposing any permanent change to Gaza’s territory configuration. Now, one thing that’s also very important:  You’ve had in Israel hundreds of thousands of people in the south and in the north taken together who’ve been forced because of insecurity to flee their homes – of course the people in southern Israel adjacent to Gaza after October 7th, as well as people in northern Israel because of insecurity coming from the border with Lebanon.  And it is totally appropriate and something we support that those people be able to return to their homes and that the necessary security arrangements be in place to give them the confidence to do that.  So again, if there need – if there need to be transitional arrangements to enable that to happen, that’s one thing.  But when it comes to the permanent status of Gaza going forward, we’ve been clear, we remain clear about not encroaching on its territory. FOREIGN MINISTER TUGGAR:  Thank you.  The issue of Gaza is one that President Tinubu brought up during the course of the discussions, and it was deliberated upon; it was discussed extensively.  The approach here is to focus on the commonalities.  So one thing we have in common – a common denominator between the U.S. and Nigeria – is the fact that we both agree that the way forward is a two-state solution, and I think that’s not in doubt.  Having said that, of course, each country behaves with regards to foreign policy with the influence of its domestic politics and domestic influences.  So it’s not surprising that Nigeria, of course, has been from the get-go very expressive with regards to the issue of proportionality of violence.  The Israeli approach in Gaza, we’ve expressed concerns, which is why I was part of a seven-member committee of foreign ministers that went around to world capitals calling for a cessation of fire.  So that remains, but we focus on the commonalities, not on the differences.  Thank you. QUESTION:  Thank you.  MODERATOR:  This session has come to a close.  Please remain seated.  Please remain seated as the – their excellencies, the principals, depart the hall. Tags Bureau of African Affairs Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Venezuela: Arrests and Detentions of Democratic Opposition and Civil Society

01/23/2024

Venezuela: Arrests and Detentions of Democratic Opposition and Civil Society 01/23/2024 09:23 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Venezuela: Arrests and Detentions of Democratic Opposition and Civil Society hide Venezuela: Arrests and Detentions of Democratic Opposition and Civil Society Press Statement January 23, 2024 The United States is deeply concerned by the issuance of arrest orders and detentions against at least 33 Venezuelans, including members of the democratic opposition, civil society, former members of the military, and journalists.  Arrests without due process run contrary to the spirit of the October 2023 electoral roadmap agreement signed between the Unitary Platform and representatives of Nicolás Maduro.  We call for the end of politically motivated harassment, including attacks upon opposition campaign offices and all efforts to stifle the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people through fear and intimidation. The United States continues to support the Venezuelan people in their desire for a peaceful restoration of democracy.  Actions that run counter to the spirit and the letter of the Barbados Agreement will have consequences.  We urge Maduro and his representatives to adhere to the electoral roadmap agreement, including by announcing a clear timeline for the 2024 presidential election, and to reinstate all political candidates. Tags Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Civil Society Elections Human Rights and Democracy Office of the Spokesperson Venezuela

Secretary Blinken Opens Newest American Corner in Nigeria, Kicks Off 20th Anniversary Year as Vital Global U.S. Engagement Resource

01/24/2024

Secretary Blinken Opens Newest American Corner in Nigeria, Kicks Off 20th Anniversary Year as Vital Global U.S. Engagement Resource 01/24/2024 09:01 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson Today in Lagos, Nigeria, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of American Corner Lekki, the newest addition to the United States’ global American Spaces network that comprises more than 600 cultural and information centers in more than 140 countries in every geographic region worldwide.  This year, American Corners, supported by local partners and part of the American Spaces network, celebrates its 20th anniversary and continues to expand its global footprint as a vital part of the United States’ people-to-people engagement strategy to expand access to education, economic opportunity and equity, and societal inclusion. American Corner Lekki represents the future of the American Spaces network, providing local communities easy access to programming and resources on U.S. culture, English-language learning opportunities, internet service, as well as advising services for study in the United States, skills and professional development programs and trainings. In 2023, the American Spaces network — which includes American Centers, American Corners, and Binational Centers — reached over 41 million people worldwide through nearly 1.5 million engagement programs and opportunities. The Department’s American Spaces network in Africa consists of 172 American Spaces in 52 countries.  In 2023 alone, the American Spaces network in Africa hosted approximately 20,000 in-person and virtual programs, reaching more than 1.6 million participants across the continent.  Nigeria’s network of American Spaces includes two American Centers, located in Abuja and Lagos, and 10 American Corners located in universities, libraries, and community centers across the country.  Last year, Nigeria’s American Spaces and Affiliates reached nearly 100,000 participants in 21 cities through approximately 4,400 programs focused on civic engagement, media literacy, women’s participation in politics, STEM education, creative industries, entrepreneurship, and youth development. For more information on the American Spaces network, contact eca-press@state.gov.

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hammer Travels to Los Angeles, California

01/24/2024

Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hammer Travels to Los Angeles, California 01/24/2024 09:16 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer will travel to Los Angeles January 25-29 to participate in the second in a series of women’s empowerment workshops for diaspora communities sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.  The January 26 event, hosted by HBCU Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and the United Women of the Horn (UWH) will feature a panel discussion with elected women leaders.  During his visit, Ambassador Hammer will also engage with diverse representatives of the Ethiopian diaspora.

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Dyer’s Travel to Oman

01/24/2024

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Dyer’s Travel to Oman 01/24/2024 09:57 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Cindy Dyer traveled to Muscat, Oman from January 20-23, 2024. In Oman, Ambassador Dyer met with a range of government officials and organizations to learn more about the government’s efforts to combat human trafficking, and promote victim identification and protection efforts, including for domestic servitude.  Ambassador Dyer discussed with her Omani counterparts their endeavors to criminally investigate reports of domestic worker abuse and prosecute and convict labor traffickers, particularly those who exploit migrant workers. Learn more about the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons or follow the office on Twitter,  Facebook,  and Instagram .  Read Understanding Human Trafficking to learn more about trafficking in persons. For additional information, contact the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at TIPOutreach@state.gov.

7th U.S.-ROK Cyber Policy Consultations

01/24/2024

7th U.S.-ROK Cyber Policy Consultations 01/24/2024 10:20 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson Officials from the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met in Seoul, Korea on January 19, 2024 for the 7th U.S.-ROK Cyber Policy Consultations and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international stability in cyberspace and to deepen bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity. The Cyber Policy Consultations were chaired by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cyberspace Security in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Liesyl Franz and Republic of Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador for International Security Affairs Rhee Dong-yeol.  The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Office of the National Cyber Director, and the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Justice, including the Criminal Division and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The Republic of Korea was represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with participation from the National Security Office, Ministry of National Defense, National Intelligence Service, Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, National Police Agency, and the Korea Internet & Security Agency. Both sides provided updates on their respective national cyber policies and exchanged views on bilateral cyber cooperation and developments in regional and international fora.  Participants explored new ways for the United States and the Republic of Korea to promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet and a stable cyberspace.  The Consultations included discussion of strengthening regional cooperation on cyber capacity building and efforts to combat cybercrime.  In particular, the United States and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, strengthen cyber resilience in the ASEAN region, and to counter Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) cyber threats, including the DPRK’s revenue generation through malicious cyber activity to its regime’s unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. The Consultations acknowledged the work that has been done in fostering greater regional cybersecurity cooperation and capacity building, as well as the importance of continued implementation of cyber confidence building measures to reduce the risk of misperception and escalation in cyberspace.  This includes efforts advanced through the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Security of and in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies. These Consultations are the first to be held since the announcement of the U.S.-ROK Strategic Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework in April 2023, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.  The Consultations served as a venue to assess and further strengthen cyber cooperation between both sides.  The participants committed to further discussions on cyber policy over the course of 2024.

Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Toloui to Travel to Costa Rica for Americas Partnership Semiconductor Workforce Symposium

01/24/2024

Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Toloui to Travel to Costa Rica for Americas Partnership Semiconductor Workforce Symposium 01/24/2024 10:36 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui will travel to Costa Rica January 25-26 to launch the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Semiconductor Workforce Symposium and participate in related meetings and events.  His visit will advance commitments made during the November 2023 Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders’ Summit.  At the symposium, Assistant Secretary Toloui will affirm the U.S. commitment to working with government and private sector partners in the hemisphere to strengthen and diversify the global semiconductor supply chain and workforce. Assistant Secretary Toloui will provide the keynote address at the symposium and conduct bilateral meetings with Costa Rican counterparts and Americas Partnership members.  He will meet with private sector leaders in the semiconductor and tech industries and experts from the education and training sector to discuss strategies to expand and diversify the semiconductor supply chain and strengthen the sector’s workforce in the hemisphere. The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Semiconductor Workforce Symposium will create opportunities for member countries to explore collaborative ways to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, including through developing workforce capacity.  Through the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, part of the CHIPS Act of 2022, the Department of State is promoting the development and adoption of secure and trustworthy telecommunications networks.  ITSI also helps ensure semiconductor supply chain security and diversification through new programs and initiatives with allies and partners. For further information, please contact the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Media Team at EB-Press-Inquiry@state.gov.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Radio France Internationale

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Radio France Internationale 01/24/2024 11:01 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Via Translation QUESTION:  Hello, Antony Blinken. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Hello. QUESTION:  Ivory Coast shares borders with countries that are completely overwhelmed by insecurity, such as Mali and Burkina Faso.  What type of assistance does the United States propose to help Ivory Coast repel these threats? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Specifically, security support to help Ivory Coast confront these threats.  In the north, where we have Burkina Faso and Mali, there’s always the danger that something starting in one country could spread to another.  We are very aware of this.  There is a comprehensive security program built on what the Ivorians are already doing. I believe their security program in the north, which is community-based and where there is now better understanding and cooperation between security forces and citizens, forms the foundation of a security system that can truly work and meet the needs of those who are in danger, first of all.  Additionally, there is support in terms of equipment, technology, and information that, I hope and believe, assists the Ivorians in facing existing threats. QUESTION:  Do the United States intend to go further in their aid, for example, by considering the establishment of a military base in the north, in Korhogo, for instance? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  All of that remains to be seen.  For now, we are focused on concrete assistance that can make a difference.  During this visit, I was able to announce additional aid for Ivory Coast, both financial aid and military equipment that is needed to confront extremists. QUESTION:  You also announced an additional $45 million in aid for coastal countries.  Specifically, how will this money be used? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It will be used for a number of things.  It’s going to translate into the equipment needed to confront the dangers.  It will translate into technologies that can also be used to enhance security.  It should also translate into cooperation among various experts.  All of this is part of the program, and I believe it can make a difference in securing the places that are at risk. QUESTION:  In the Sahel, you were in Niger last year.  In the meantime, there has been a coup.  The United States still maintains a military presence in the country, but we know that the junta also has other ideas, such as multiplying other partnerships and offers.  For you, the United States, what is the red line that should not be crossed? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  You know, I was indeed in Niger a few weeks, a few months anyway, before the coup.  I was with President Bazoum, someone who was a very good leader for Niger and a great partner for other countries.  And, by the way, he should be released immediately.  He should have been released; it should have happened already.  He should have been released from day one.  His son has now been released.  We are waiting for the release of President Bazoum.  That’s one thing. QUESTION:  Is this a requirement for you? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Excuse me? QUESTION:  Is this a requirement for you? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s a requirement, a necessity.  And I would say to those who have taken power in this way, they can imagine their future.  What happens if someone else does the same thing to them? But there’s another requirement – and it’s not a requirement from the United States, it’s from ECOWAS, and there was a very important meeting late last year with ECOWAS heads of state – a requirement for Niger to get back on the road to democracy, for this coup to finally come to an end, and for there to be a clear transition within a short timeframe for a return to the democratic system, a system that represents the people of Niger.  If this happens, we can act accordingly.  In other words, all the aid and cooperation we have suspended, given the junta’s actions, can be put back into play.  But that depends entirely on the CNSP’s approach.  Are they putting Niger back on the right track? If so, I think the international community, including the United States, will be able to respond, and respond positively.  If not, obviously, the relationship between us and Niger, and between many other countries and Niger, will be in a completely different shape. QUESTION:  And about the idea of looking at other partners, especially Russia for example, is that something that you can consider, working in the same areas with such partners? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  The problem we’ve seen a bit across Africa in countries that have decided to entrust their fate to groups like Wagner, for example, Russia, is that violence, destruction, terrorism, abuse of resources, and abuse of the people follow.  We’ve seen it every time.  Instead of seeing better security for the people in question, insecurity has actually increased in all the countries where, for example, the Wagner group operates or operated.  So, to us, that’s not the answer.  Quite the opposite. That being said, we obviously need to respond to an issue by offering a solution, because if people don’t have a choice, obviously, they will do what they think is necessary.  So, that’s precisely what collaboration does, as well as our cooperation, our security programs, the investments we make, the collaboration we have – they’re here to address this problem, to provide another choice.  But here, too, I think African countries must also do their utmost by supporting each other.  ECOWAS has a very important role to play as well.  Leading countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and others are expected to play a role in this. QUESTION:  Speaking of ECOWAS, as you mentioned, it has been confronted a series of coups since last year.  What expertise or support does the United States provide to ECOWAS to try to maintain democracy in the sub-region? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s both diplomatic support and support through dialogue and discourse.  For example, during the United Nations meeting in September, I gathered the leaders of ECOWAS countries over those two weeks in New York precisely for us to reflect together on the best collective action we can take in response, for example, regarding Niger.  And having said that, it’s no secret that there are obviously differences, different views between ECOWAS countries.  It’s important to find greater coherence.  That’s important. And it’s really the role of ECOWAS leaders to try to find it, but they will have, and they do have the support of the U.S.  What we’re trying to do is to ensure that there are African solutions to Africa’s problems, with support, if desired, from the United States.  We can’t be a substitute for African countries.  On the contrary, we want to support them and act together.  Because we’re no longer in a scenario where we’d ask, “What can we do for Africa?”  It’s more like, “What can we do with Africa?”  So, we’re trying to have real partnerships where we listen, because we not only have lessons to give, we also have lessons to receive.  And we must especially listen to our partners to try to understand what can succeed, what can work as we face challenges.  That’s the kind of partnership we’re trying to build. But these problems are very, very difficult.  And often, there’s an economic foundation, or challenge, a lack of opportunities, people working to put food on the table for their children – if they have no choice, they might be ready for anything.  It’s an environment where extremism, radicalism can take hold.  So, there is a need for an economic response, a governance response, because if people don’t believe that their government is working for them, and if there are abuses against the citizens, in this case too, they will be ready to find another solution. And there are security issues.  We have a plan drawn up by President Biden’s administration, approved by Congress, which precisely acts at these three levels over 5-10 years.  Because all of this requires investments that may be administered over a long period of time, but that can change the fundamental data and foster much more resilient societies.  Ultimately, that’s the answer, but in an emergency situation, action is also needed, and we’re trying to do both. QUESTION:  Last week, the Chinese foreign minister was here in Abidjan for a visit, also in Africa.  How does the United States’ proposition to countries like Côte d’Ivoire differ from China’s? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  First, it’s important to know that for us, it’s not a matter of telling friends or others, “You have to choose.”  No.  For us, the challenge is to show that we offer a good choice.  And then, let friends and others decide.  Besides, the needs are so enormous that, in a way, there’s room for everyone.  But we have set this basic idea that any investment we bring or that another country brings should really be for the benefit of the people in question and of the country in question, not for us and not for other investors.  We can do both at the same time, but it really has to be based on how the people, the country receiving the investment benefit from it. So, when some countries lend a lot of money, for example, but in doing so, create unsustainable debts, that’s a problem.  We don’t want to do that.  When countries bring workers from their own country and don’t hire people in the country in question for infrastructure projects, it’s a shame because employment opportunities are missed.  When an investor comes to a country and doesn’t consider the environmental or workers’ needs, and instead we see abuses, all of that needs to be taken into account.  So, we, in the United States, try to support and bring investments that help bring everyone upward, with better standards for workers, better standards for the environment, better standards for the local community, and better standards for the country in question so that there isn’t an enormous debt burden that can’t be undone.  I am convinced that if we can — and that’s what we are doing — bring this kind of option, the choice is quite clear. QUESTION:  Antony Blinken, thank you very much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Radio France Internationale

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Radio France Internationale 01/24/2024 11:01 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Via Translation QUESTION:  Hello, Antony Blinken. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Hello. QUESTION:  Ivory Coast shares borders with countries that are completely overwhelmed by insecurity, such as Mali and Burkina Faso.  What type of assistance does the United States propose to help Ivory Coast repel these threats? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Specifically, security support to help Ivory Coast confront these threats.  In the north, where we have Burkina Faso and Mali, there’s always the danger that something starting in one country could spread to another.  We are very aware of this.  There is a comprehensive security program built on what the Ivorians are already doing. I believe their security program in the north, which is community-based and where there is now better understanding and cooperation between security forces and citizens, forms the foundation of a security system that can truly work and meet the needs of those who are in danger, first of all.  Additionally, there is support in terms of equipment, technology, and information that, I hope and believe, assists the Ivorians in facing existing threats. QUESTION:  Do the United States intend to go further in their aid, for example, by considering the establishment of a military base in the north, in Korhogo, for instance? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  All of that remains to be seen.  For now, we are focused on concrete assistance that can make a difference.  During this visit, I was able to announce additional aid for Ivory Coast, both financial aid and military equipment that is needed to confront extremists. QUESTION:  You also announced an additional $45 million in aid for coastal countries.  Specifically, how will this money be used? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It will be used for a number of things.  It’s going to translate into the equipment needed to confront the dangers.  It will translate into technologies that can also be used to enhance security.  It should also translate into cooperation among various experts.  All of this is part of the program, and I believe it can make a difference in securing the places that are at risk. QUESTION:  In the Sahel, you were in Niger last year.  In the meantime, there has been a coup.  The United States still maintains a military presence in the country, but we know that the junta also has other ideas, such as multiplying other partnerships and offers.  For you, the United States, what is the red line that should not be crossed? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  You know, I was indeed in Niger a few weeks, a few months anyway, before the coup.  I was with President Bazoum, someone who was a very good leader for Niger and a great partner for other countries.  And, by the way, he should be released immediately.  He should have been released; it should have happened already.  He should have been released from day one.  His son has now been released.  We are waiting for the release of President Bazoum.  That’s one thing. QUESTION:  Is this a requirement for you? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Excuse me? QUESTION:  Is this a requirement for you? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s a requirement, a necessity.  And I would say to those who have taken power in this way, they can imagine their future.  What happens if someone else does the same thing to them? But there’s another requirement – and it’s not a requirement from the United States, it’s from ECOWAS, and there was a very important meeting late last year with ECOWAS heads of state – a requirement for Niger to get back on the road to democracy, for this coup to finally come to an end, and for there to be a clear transition within a short timeframe for a return to the democratic system, a system that represents the people of Niger.  If this happens, we can act accordingly.  In other words, all the aid and cooperation we have suspended, given the junta’s actions, can be put back into play.  But that depends entirely on the CNSP’s approach.  Are they putting Niger back on the right track? If so, I think the international community, including the United States, will be able to respond, and respond positively.  If not, obviously, the relationship between us and Niger, and between many other countries and Niger, will be in a completely different shape. QUESTION:  And about the idea of looking at other partners, especially Russia for example, is that something that you can consider, working in the same areas with such partners? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  The problem we’ve seen a bit across Africa in countries that have decided to entrust their fate to groups like Wagner, for example, Russia, is that violence, destruction, terrorism, abuse of resources, and abuse of the people follow.  We’ve seen it every time.  Instead of seeing better security for the people in question, insecurity has actually increased in all the countries where, for example, the Wagner group operates or operated.  So, to us, that’s not the answer.  Quite the opposite. That being said, we obviously need to respond to an issue by offering a solution, because if people don’t have a choice, obviously, they will do what they think is necessary.  So, that’s precisely what collaboration does, as well as our cooperation, our security programs, the investments we make, the collaboration we have – they’re here to address this problem, to provide another choice.  But here, too, I think African countries must also do their utmost by supporting each other.  ECOWAS has a very important role to play as well.  Leading countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and others are expected to play a role in this. QUESTION:  Speaking of ECOWAS, as you mentioned, it has been confronted a series of coups since last year.  What expertise or support does the United States provide to ECOWAS to try to maintain democracy in the sub-region? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s both diplomatic support and support through dialogue and discourse.  For example, during the United Nations meeting in September, I gathered the leaders of ECOWAS countries over those two weeks in New York precisely for us to reflect together on the best collective action we can take in response, for example, regarding Niger.  And having said that, it’s no secret that there are obviously differences, different views between ECOWAS countries.  It’s important to find greater coherence.  That’s important. And it’s really the role of ECOWAS leaders to try to find it, but they will have, and they do have the support of the U.S.  What we’re trying to do is to ensure that there are African solutions to Africa’s problems, with support, if desired, from the United States.  We can’t be a substitute for African countries.  On the contrary, we want to support them and act together.  Because we’re no longer in a scenario where we’d ask, “What can we do for Africa?”  It’s more like, “What can we do with Africa?”  So, we’re trying to have real partnerships where we listen, because we not only have lessons to give, we also have lessons to receive.  And we must especially listen to our partners to try to understand what can succeed, what can work as we face challenges.  That’s the kind of partnership we’re trying to build. But these problems are very, very difficult.  And often, there’s an economic foundation, or challenge, a lack of opportunities, people working to put food on the table for their children – if they have no choice, they might be ready for anything.  It’s an environment where extremism, radicalism can take hold.  So, there is a need for an economic response, a governance response, because if people don’t believe that their government is working for them, and if there are abuses against the citizens, in this case too, they will be ready to find another solution. And there are security issues.  We have a plan drawn up by President Biden’s administration, approved by Congress, which precisely acts at these three levels over 5-10 years.  Because all of this requires investments that may be administered over a long period of time, but that can change the fundamental data and foster much more resilient societies.  Ultimately, that’s the answer, but in an emergency situation, action is also needed, and we’re trying to do both. QUESTION:  Last week, the Chinese foreign minister was here in Abidjan for a visit, also in Africa.  How does the United States’ proposition to countries like Côte d’Ivoire differ from China’s? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  First, it’s important to know that for us, it’s not a matter of telling friends or others, “You have to choose.”  No.  For us, the challenge is to show that we offer a good choice.  And then, let friends and others decide.  Besides, the needs are so enormous that, in a way, there’s room for everyone.  But we have set this basic idea that any investment we bring or that another country brings should really be for the benefit of the people in question and of the country in question, not for us and not for other investors.  We can do both at the same time, but it really has to be based on how the people, the country receiving the investment benefit from it. So, when some countries lend a lot of money, for example, but in doing so, create unsustainable debts, that’s a problem.  We don’t want to do that.  When countries bring workers from their own country and don’t hire people in the country in question for infrastructure projects, it’s a shame because employment opportunities are missed.  When an investor comes to a country and doesn’t consider the environmental or workers’ needs, and instead we see abuses, all of that needs to be taken into account.  So, we, in the United States, try to support and bring investments that help bring everyone upward, with better standards for workers, better standards for the environment, better standards for the local community, and better standards for the country in question so that there isn’t an enormous debt burden that can’t be undone.  I am convinced that if we can — and that’s what we are doing — bring this kind of option, the choice is quite clear. QUESTION:  Antony Blinken, thank you very much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki 01/24/2024 11:22 AM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki Remarks January 24, 2024 MR STEVENS:  Thank you, Wale.  It is such an honor to work with you.  You’re a true pioneer in Nigeria’s technology space and a leader and someone we all love and admire.  Thank you.  And thank you for hosting us here and at the American Corner.  And thank you, Debola, for sharing your inspiring story.  And for all of our guests and friends from U.S. companies who are here, who are partners often with 21st Century and our alumna and leaders from Lagos state government, the minister, and many others.  It is such an honor to host Secretary Blinken today and to be here for the ribbon cutting of what will become the 26th American Space in Nigeria in 21 cities throughout the country.  (Applause.)  A network of spaces that brought together nearly 100,000 people last year and probably did more for diplomacy than anything I did in the last year.  David probably did a bit more – our charge d’affaires.  But that people-to-people diplomacy is the foundation, it’s the bedrock of a warm and strong relationship that our countries enjoy.  And this Corner today is one more step in the path that we’ve taken to help unleash Nigeria’s incredible talent. So I know that Secretary Blinken has a longstanding commitment to that people-to-people diplomacy.  He’s shown it in his years as Deputy Secretary of State, at the National Security Council, and now as Secretary of State, and he is a true leader and we’re so grateful to have you here.  So thank you so much and please join me in welcoming Secretary Blinken.  (Applause.) SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, thank you so much.  Good morning, everyone.  First of all, Debola, I think we should have stopped right then and there.  You could have just dropped the microphone, and that would have been that.  But you were tremendous, and it just reinforces something that our consul general just said, and so many of you here who are alumna of the Mandela program, other programs, and that’s the incredible power of our exchange programs – something I believe in strongly. Now, I wouldn’t have a choice because, as it happened, during the Obama administration my wife ran those programs, so even if I didn’t believe it, I’d have to.  But as it happened, I profoundly believe it, and I see it each and every day, and this is another incredibly powerful example.  And I want those of you who are alums of the program to know this:  We went back and looked, and Will knows this very well from his deep experience in these programs.  We’ve been doing it for about 80 years.  And I think maybe one of the greatest achievements was the Young African Leaders Program that President Obama started, the Mandelas.  But if you go back and look at the history of these exchange programs over 80 years, we found incredible young people in countries like Nigeria to come and participate at a young age, before they had necessarily embarked on their careers with a passion.  And as it turns out, over those 80 years, something like 60 – more than 60 participants went on to win Nobel Prizes, more than 600 went on to become prime ministers and presidents of their countries, thousands went on to become leaders in academia, in business, in culture, and they developed powerful connections amongst themselves and with the United States.  So for me, the power of these programs – exemplified by you, by all of you here today, and by what you just said, Will – probably that has more impact than just about anything we do.  So I’m grateful for this moment also to celebrate these programs. Mr. Chairman, thank you.  Thank you for hosting the American Corner here at 21st Century Technologies.  Thank you for creating the digital infrastructure that is helping to empower people across Africa.  And thank you for the vision that you’ve had and that you’ve now put into practice.  It’s a very powerful thing.  And Mr. Minister, I am grateful to you for the partnership that we have between our countries but also for your extraordinary leadership and vision in making Nigeria a tech powerhouse.  I got a little bit of an example of that just a few minutes ago seeing some of the innovations taking place in this country. Back in November of 2021, I had an opportunity to come to Nigeria and to talk about building a 21st century partnership, a 21st century partnership with Africa countries, and to move from those questions about what we can do for Africa to a different question, what can we do with Africa.  And I see this playing out in so many places now as we work together to meet shared challenges that no single one of us can effectively meet alone, and the bottom line, to actually deliver results to our people, because those of us who have spent some period of time in public office, that’s our responsibility.  That’s what we’ve been charged with.  A lot goes into that:  promoting accountable government, strengthening security and stability, and especially expanding opportunity, which I think is at the heart of everything. Now, as we’re doing that, two things are evident.  One is the future really is with Africa.  It’s no secret to anyone that in the coming years one in four inhabitants of the planet will be from this continent, and so we would ignore Africa at our peril.  But we also see the incredible power of these partnerships in actually solving problems together.  And when we’re thinking about Africa, Nigeria has to be front and center.  It’s the largest country.  It’s the largest economy.  It’s the largest democracy.  It is a natural partner for the United States.  And as we’re looking at what we’re doing together – trying to address the climate crisis that’s affecting all of us in different ways, developing artificial intelligence for good, accelerating inclusive economic growth – all of that is strengthened powerfully by one thing, and that is the tens of thousands of Americans who are here in Nigeria working, studying, coming together with Nigerians around joint ventures, and the more than 500,000 Nigerian Americans who are such a powerful part of our own community.  This place, this American Corner in Lekki, will, I believe, reinforce that incredibly vibrant relationship between our countries and between our peoples.  You’ve heard it from Will:  Nigeria has more American Spaces than any other African country, 24 locations in 21 cities, 4,400 programs reaching 100,000 Nigerians every year, and now number 25.  We know that there are so many other Nigerians like each and every one of you who want to make connections, who want to acquire skills, who may want to spend time in the United States studying, working, engaging with people.  And there are many ways to do that, but these American Spaces are a big part of it.  What it means is even more opportunity – more opportunity for Nigerians of any age, any community, to learn a bit more about the United States, to practice English, to participate in professional development programs, training, to get advice on studying in the United States – all to our mutual benefit.  Now, it’s particularly exciting here because we are sharing the space with one of the continent’s most innovative incubators, part of an American commitment to help drive digital transformation across Africa, something that the minister is working on every day.  And this takes a village.  It takes a village of government, of the private sector, of entrepreneurs to build the infrastructure, to promote and support a regulatory environment, to invest in skills – maybe the most essential thing of all, particularly for women and for young people. And I want to underscore the absolute imperative of bringing women fully into this venture and this adventure.  Here’s what we know:  If women around the world were participating equally in the workforce, equally to men, you would add $28 trillion to the global economy, $28 trillion.  Think of all the things we could do, we could resource, if we have fully empowered women in our global economy. Now, what I’m seeing and what I’m feeling is that there is growing and significant American interest here in working in Nigeria, in investing in Nigeria, partnering with Nigerians.  And we see many American companies, some of them present here, who are already working to help meet President Tinubu’s goal of one million digital jobs.  The world’s largest subsea cable is on its way.  It will reach Lagos next month.  And as I’ve looked at the numbers, more than a quarter of American venture capital coming to Africa is coming to Nigeria. So there is a – more than a profound interest.  There is incredible activity already going on.  Now, there are challenges that still need to – need to be met to make sure that this is the most inviting business environment possible, and we talked about some of them, including last night meeting with federal government leadership, including the ability to repatriate capital, including the ongoing challenge of rooting out corruption. But here, every single day, this Corner is going to strengthen partnerships between the United States and Nigeria, and I believe it’s going to fuel further tech innovation, indeed fuel the tech revolution.  As I got a chance to see some of the remarkable work that some of your entrepreneurs have done, one thing is abundantly clear to me, and I see this around the world:  No one place, no one people, have a monopoly on good ideas or innovation.  It happens everywhere.  And especially in this century, the true wealth of a nation, the true strength of society, will be in its ability to allow its human resources to flourish.  Yes, big military matters, geography matters, the size of your population matters, the abundance of natural resources matters, but human resources matter most of all.  And countries that succeed in unleashing their human resources, no matter whether they have an abundance or not in those other measures of strength of wealth, they are going to do very, very well.  And that starts with empowering young people. Here, courses on everything from learning how to code to how to write a business plan will be offered.  And by the way, I should probably sign up for the coding course.  (Laughter.)  Video recording, podcast studios, access to robotics equipment, 3D printing.  This understanding of innovation and understanding that innovation is amplified by connection that you all represent, is central to so much of what we’re doing.  We have something we recently established with all of the countries bordering on the Atlantic, the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, three dozen coastal Atlantic countries, including the United States, including Nigeria, working together to promote a stable, sustainable, prosperous Atlantic region. Our own mission in Nigeria is working with our Congress to launch the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy, a hackathon, because one of the things I found very powerful as well is when you put young minds and technology together, they can find solutions and solve problems in ways that some of us who may be a little bit older and more set in our ways and maybe not quite so adept with technology simply can’t do.  We’ll bring together the government, the private sector, students to develop solutions to economic and environmental challenges, like addressing plastic pollution or using ocean currents to create energy.  Imagine that.  One of the many ways that innovation’s relationship to learning are facilitated here, as we’re doing that, that is going to be vital to tackling all of these shared challenges.  And also you talked about, Mr. Chairman, bumps in the road giving us energy to move forward.  Yes, there are tremendous challenges.  We’re very conscious of them every single day.  But there are also profound opportunities, and unleashing imagination, unleashing innovation, unleashing partnership, that’s the way to seize them. So I mentioned I had a chance to meet with a few very impressive young Nigerian entrepreneurs a moment ago.  One of them was helping businesses harness AI to automate operations, using virtual reality to help students learn when studies are hindered by a natural disaster or something else that keeps them out of their physical classrooms.  And there again, the ingenuity, the dynamism is extraordinary.  And that is, I think, fundamentally the spirit that unites our democracies, that unites the United States and Nigeria.  So as we’re here together in this space, as we’re here together in this innovation hub, I can’t even imagine what people will create, what they will build here together.  And in a way, that’s the whole point.  Whatever it is, whatever it is that we can’t see today but you will all help us see tomorrow and realize tomorrow – that’s what will make the most powerful difference in our world.  Through centers like this we look forward to ambition continuing to grow alongside our relationship.  And as it does, as my boss likes to say, there is nothing – nothing – we can’t accomplish if we set our minds to it and we do it together.  So thank you very, very much.  (Applause.) Now, one of the best parts of this job occasionally – and I’ll invite the consul general, I’ll invite you, Mr. Chairman, Debola, please come back up and join us – is to occasionally get to cut a ribbon, so that’s what we’re going to do.  (The ribbon was cut.) (Applause.)  Tags Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Exchanges Diplomacy Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Education Programs Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki 01/24/2024 11:22 AM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki Remarks January 24, 2024 MR STEVENS:  Thank you, Wale.  It is such an honor to work with you.  You’re a true pioneer in Nigeria’s technology space and a leader and someone we all love and admire.  Thank you.  And thank you for hosting us here and at the American Corner.  And thank you, Debola, for sharing your inspiring story.  And for all of our guests and friends from U.S. companies who are here, who are partners often with 21st Century and our alumna and leaders from Lagos state government, the minister, and many others.  It is such an honor to host Secretary Blinken today and to be here for the ribbon cutting of what will become the 26th American Space in Nigeria in 21 cities throughout the country.  (Applause.)  A network of spaces that brought together nearly 100,000 people last year and probably did more for diplomacy than anything I did in the last year.  David probably did a bit more – our charge d’affaires.  But that people-to-people diplomacy is the foundation, it’s the bedrock of a warm and strong relationship that our countries enjoy.  And this Corner today is one more step in the path that we’ve taken to help unleash Nigeria’s incredible talent. So I know that Secretary Blinken has a longstanding commitment to that people-to-people diplomacy.  He’s shown it in his years as Deputy Secretary of State, at the National Security Council, and now as Secretary of State, and he is a true leader and we’re so grateful to have you here.  So thank you so much and please join me in welcoming Secretary Blinken.  (Applause.) SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, thank you so much.  Good morning, everyone.  First of all, Debola, I think we should have stopped right then and there.  You could have just dropped the microphone, and that would have been that.  But you were tremendous, and it just reinforces something that our consul general just said, and so many of you here who are alumna of the Mandela program, other programs, and that’s the incredible power of our exchange programs – something I believe in strongly. Now, I wouldn’t have a choice because, as it happened, during the Obama administration my wife ran those programs, so even if I didn’t believe it, I’d have to.  But as it happened, I profoundly believe it, and I see it each and every day, and this is another incredibly powerful example.  And I want those of you who are alums of the program to know this:  We went back and looked, and Will knows this very well from his deep experience in these programs.  We’ve been doing it for about 80 years.  And I think maybe one of the greatest achievements was the Young African Leaders Program that President Obama started, the Mandelas.  But if you go back and look at the history of these exchange programs over 80 years, we found incredible young people in countries like Nigeria to come and participate at a young age, before they had necessarily embarked on their careers with a passion.  And as it turns out, over those 80 years, something like 60 – more than 60 participants went on to win Nobel Prizes, more than 600 went on to become prime ministers and presidents of their countries, thousands went on to become leaders in academia, in business, in culture, and they developed powerful connections amongst themselves and with the United States.  So for me, the power of these programs – exemplified by you, by all of you here today, and by what you just said, Will – probably that has more impact than just about anything we do.  So I’m grateful for this moment also to celebrate these programs. Mr. Chairman, thank you.  Thank you for hosting the American Corner here at 21st Century Technologies.  Thank you for creating the digital infrastructure that is helping to empower people across Africa.  And thank you for the vision that you’ve had and that you’ve now put into practice.  It’s a very powerful thing.  And Mr. Minister, I am grateful to you for the partnership that we have between our countries but also for your extraordinary leadership and vision in making Nigeria a tech powerhouse.  I got a little bit of an example of that just a few minutes ago seeing some of the innovations taking place in this country. Back in November of 2021, I had an opportunity to come to Nigeria and to talk about building a 21st century partnership, a 21st century partnership with Africa countries, and to move from those questions about what we can do for Africa to a different question, what can we do with Africa.  And I see this playing out in so many places now as we work together to meet shared challenges that no single one of us can effectively meet alone, and the bottom line, to actually deliver results to our people, because those of us who have spent some period of time in public office, that’s our responsibility.  That’s what we’ve been charged with.  A lot goes into that:  promoting accountable government, strengthening security and stability, and especially expanding opportunity, which I think is at the heart of everything. Now, as we’re doing that, two things are evident.  One is the future really is with Africa.  It’s no secret to anyone that in the coming years one in four inhabitants of the planet will be from this continent, and so we would ignore Africa at our peril.  But we also see the incredible power of these partnerships in actually solving problems together.  And when we’re thinking about Africa, Nigeria has to be front and center.  It’s the largest country.  It’s the largest economy.  It’s the largest democracy.  It is a natural partner for the United States.  And as we’re looking at what we’re doing together – trying to address the climate crisis that’s affecting all of us in different ways, developing artificial intelligence for good, accelerating inclusive economic growth – all of that is strengthened powerfully by one thing, and that is the tens of thousands of Americans who are here in Nigeria working, studying, coming together with Nigerians around joint ventures, and the more than 500,000 Nigerian Americans who are such a powerful part of our own community.  This place, this American Corner in Lekki, will, I believe, reinforce that incredibly vibrant relationship between our countries and between our peoples.  You’ve heard it from Will:  Nigeria has more American Spaces than any other African country, 24 locations in 21 cities, 4,400 programs reaching 100,000 Nigerians every year, and now number 25.  We know that there are so many other Nigerians like each and every one of you who want to make connections, who want to acquire skills, who may want to spend time in the United States studying, working, engaging with people.  And there are many ways to do that, but these American Spaces are a big part of it.  What it means is even more opportunity – more opportunity for Nigerians of any age, any community, to learn a bit more about the United States, to practice English, to participate in professional development programs, training, to get advice on studying in the United States – all to our mutual benefit.  Now, it’s particularly exciting here because we are sharing the space with one of the continent’s most innovative incubators, part of an American commitment to help drive digital transformation across Africa, something that the minister is working on every day.  And this takes a village.  It takes a village of government, of the private sector, of entrepreneurs to build the infrastructure, to promote and support a regulatory environment, to invest in skills – maybe the most essential thing of all, particularly for women and for young people. And I want to underscore the absolute imperative of bringing women fully into this venture and this adventure.  Here’s what we know:  If women around the world were participating equally in the workforce, equally to men, you would add $28 trillion to the global economy, $28 trillion.  Think of all the things we could do, we could resource, if we have fully empowered women in our global economy. Now, what I’m seeing and what I’m feeling is that there is growing and significant American interest here in working in Nigeria, in investing in Nigeria, partnering with Nigerians.  And we see many American companies, some of them present here, who are already working to help meet President Tinubu’s goal of one million digital jobs.  The world’s largest subsea cable is on its way.  It will reach Lagos next month.  And as I’ve looked at the numbers, more than a quarter of American venture capital coming to Africa is coming to Nigeria. So there is a – more than a profound interest.  There is incredible activity already going on.  Now, there are challenges that still need to – need to be met to make sure that this is the most inviting business environment possible, and we talked about some of them, including last night meeting with federal government leadership, including the ability to repatriate capital, including the ongoing challenge of rooting out corruption. But here, every single day, this Corner is going to strengthen partnerships between the United States and Nigeria, and I believe it’s going to fuel further tech innovation, indeed fuel the tech revolution.  As I got a chance to see some of the remarkable work that some of your entrepreneurs have done, one thing is abundantly clear to me, and I see this around the world:  No one place, no one people, have a monopoly on good ideas or innovation.  It happens everywhere.  And especially in this century, the true wealth of a nation, the true strength of society, will be in its ability to allow its human resources to flourish.  Yes, big military matters, geography matters, the size of your population matters, the abundance of natural resources matters, but human resources matter most of all.  And countries that succeed in unleashing their human resources, no matter whether they have an abundance or not in those other measures of strength of wealth, they are going to do very, very well.  And that starts with empowering young people. Here, courses on everything from learning how to code to how to write a business plan will be offered.  And by the way, I should probably sign up for the coding course.  (Laughter.)  Video recording, podcast studios, access to robotics equipment, 3D printing.  This understanding of innovation and understanding that innovation is amplified by connection that you all represent, is central to so much of what we’re doing.  We have something we recently established with all of the countries bordering on the Atlantic, the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, three dozen coastal Atlantic countries, including the United States, including Nigeria, working together to promote a stable, sustainable, prosperous Atlantic region. Our own mission in Nigeria is working with our Congress to launch the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy, a hackathon, because one of the things I found very powerful as well is when you put young minds and technology together, they can find solutions and solve problems in ways that some of us who may be a little bit older and more set in our ways and maybe not quite so adept with technology simply can’t do.  We’ll bring together the government, the private sector, students to develop solutions to economic and environmental challenges, like addressing plastic pollution or using ocean currents to create energy.  Imagine that.  One of the many ways that innovation’s relationship to learning are facilitated here, as we’re doing that, that is going to be vital to tackling all of these shared challenges.  And also you talked about, Mr. Chairman, bumps in the road giving us energy to move forward.  Yes, there are tremendous challenges.  We’re very conscious of them every single day.  But there are also profound opportunities, and unleashing imagination, unleashing innovation, unleashing partnership, that’s the way to seize them. So I mentioned I had a chance to meet with a few very impressive young Nigerian entrepreneurs a moment ago.  One of them was helping businesses harness AI to automate operations, using virtual reality to help students learn when studies are hindered by a natural disaster or something else that keeps them out of their physical classrooms.  And there again, the ingenuity, the dynamism is extraordinary.  And that is, I think, fundamentally the spirit that unites our democracies, that unites the United States and Nigeria.  So as we’re here together in this space, as we’re here together in this innovation hub, I can’t even imagine what people will create, what they will build here together.  And in a way, that’s the whole point.  Whatever it is, whatever it is that we can’t see today but you will all help us see tomorrow and realize tomorrow – that’s what will make the most powerful difference in our world.  Through centers like this we look forward to ambition continuing to grow alongside our relationship.  And as it does, as my boss likes to say, there is nothing – nothing – we can’t accomplish if we set our minds to it and we do it together.  So thank you very, very much.  (Applause.) Now, one of the best parts of this job occasionally – and I’ll invite the consul general, I’ll invite you, Mr. Chairman, Debola, please come back up and join us – is to occasionally get to cut a ribbon, so that’s what we’re going to do.  (The ribbon was cut.) (Applause.)  Tags Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Exchanges Diplomacy Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Education Programs Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki 01/24/2024 11:22 AM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the American Corner in Lekki Remarks January 24, 2024 MR STEVENS:  Thank you, Wale.  It is such an honor to work with you.  You’re a true pioneer in Nigeria’s technology space and a leader and someone we all love and admire.  Thank you.  And thank you for hosting us here and at the American Corner.  And thank you, Debola, for sharing your inspiring story.  And for all of our guests and friends from U.S. companies who are here, who are partners often with 21st Century and our alumna and leaders from Lagos state government, the minister, and many others.  It is such an honor to host Secretary Blinken today and to be here for the ribbon cutting of what will become the 26th American Space in Nigeria in 21 cities throughout the country.  (Applause.)  A network of spaces that brought together nearly 100,000 people last year and probably did more for diplomacy than anything I did in the last year.  David probably did a bit more – our charge d’affaires.  But that people-to-people diplomacy is the foundation, it’s the bedrock of a warm and strong relationship that our countries enjoy.  And this Corner today is one more step in the path that we’ve taken to help unleash Nigeria’s incredible talent. So I know that Secretary Blinken has a longstanding commitment to that people-to-people diplomacy.  He’s shown it in his years as Deputy Secretary of State, at the National Security Council, and now as Secretary of State, and he is a true leader and we’re so grateful to have you here.  So thank you so much and please join me in welcoming Secretary Blinken.  (Applause.) SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, thank you so much.  Good morning, everyone.  First of all, Debola, I think we should have stopped right then and there.  You could have just dropped the microphone, and that would have been that.  But you were tremendous, and it just reinforces something that our consul general just said, and so many of you here who are alumna of the Mandela program, other programs, and that’s the incredible power of our exchange programs – something I believe in strongly. Now, I wouldn’t have a choice because, as it happened, during the Obama administration my wife ran those programs, so even if I didn’t believe it, I’d have to.  But as it happened, I profoundly believe it, and I see it each and every day, and this is another incredibly powerful example.  And I want those of you who are alums of the program to know this:  We went back and looked, and Will knows this very well from his deep experience in these programs.  We’ve been doing it for about 80 years.  And I think maybe one of the greatest achievements was the Young African Leaders Program that President Obama started, the Mandelas.  But if you go back and look at the history of these exchange programs over 80 years, we found incredible young people in countries like Nigeria to come and participate at a young age, before they had necessarily embarked on their careers with a passion.  And as it turns out, over those 80 years, something like 60 – more than 60 participants went on to win Nobel Prizes, more than 600 went on to become prime ministers and presidents of their countries, thousands went on to become leaders in academia, in business, in culture, and they developed powerful connections amongst themselves and with the United States.  So for me, the power of these programs – exemplified by you, by all of you here today, and by what you just said, Will – probably that has more impact than just about anything we do.  So I’m grateful for this moment also to celebrate these programs. Mr. Chairman, thank you.  Thank you for hosting the American Corner here at 21st Century Technologies.  Thank you for creating the digital infrastructure that is helping to empower people across Africa.  And thank you for the vision that you’ve had and that you’ve now put into practice.  It’s a very powerful thing.  And Mr. Minister, I am grateful to you for the partnership that we have between our countries but also for your extraordinary leadership and vision in making Nigeria a tech powerhouse.  I got a little bit of an example of that just a few minutes ago seeing some of the innovations taking place in this country. Back in November of 2021, I had an opportunity to come to Nigeria and to talk about building a 21st century partnership, a 21st century partnership with Africa countries, and to move from those questions about what we can do for Africa to a different question, what can we do with Africa.  And I see this playing out in so many places now as we work together to meet shared challenges that no single one of us can effectively meet alone, and the bottom line, to actually deliver results to our people, because those of us who have spent some period of time in public office, that’s our responsibility.  That’s what we’ve been charged with.  A lot goes into that:  promoting accountable government, strengthening security and stability, and especially expanding opportunity, which I think is at the heart of everything. Now, as we’re doing that, two things are evident.  One is the future really is with Africa.  It’s no secret to anyone that in the coming years one in four inhabitants of the planet will be from this continent, and so we would ignore Africa at our peril.  But we also see the incredible power of these partnerships in actually solving problems together.  And when we’re thinking about Africa, Nigeria has to be front and center.  It’s the largest country.  It’s the largest economy.  It’s the largest democracy.  It is a natural partner for the United States.  And as we’re looking at what we’re doing together – trying to address the climate crisis that’s affecting all of us in different ways, developing artificial intelligence for good, accelerating inclusive economic growth – all of that is strengthened powerfully by one thing, and that is the tens of thousands of Americans who are here in Nigeria working, studying, coming together with Nigerians around joint ventures, and the more than 500,000 Nigerian Americans who are such a powerful part of our own community.  This place, this American Corner in Lekki, will, I believe, reinforce that incredibly vibrant relationship between our countries and between our peoples.  You’ve heard it from Will:  Nigeria has more American Spaces than any other African country, 24 locations in 21 cities, 4,400 programs reaching 100,000 Nigerians every year, and now number 25.  We know that there are so many other Nigerians like each and every one of you who want to make connections, who want to acquire skills, who may want to spend time in the United States studying, working, engaging with people.  And there are many ways to do that, but these American Spaces are a big part of it.  What it means is even more opportunity – more opportunity for Nigerians of any age, any community, to learn a bit more about the United States, to practice English, to participate in professional development programs, training, to get advice on studying in the United States – all to our mutual benefit.  Now, it’s particularly exciting here because we are sharing the space with one of the continent’s most innovative incubators, part of an American commitment to help drive digital transformation across Africa, something that the minister is working on every day.  And this takes a village.  It takes a village of government, of the private sector, of entrepreneurs to build the infrastructure, to promote and support a regulatory environment, to invest in skills – maybe the most essential thing of all, particularly for women and for young people. And I want to underscore the absolute imperative of bringing women fully into this venture and this adventure.  Here’s what we know:  If women around the world were participating equally in the workforce, equally to men, you would add $28 trillion to the global economy, $28 trillion.  Think of all the things we could do, we could resource, if we have fully empowered women in our global economy. Now, what I’m seeing and what I’m feeling is that there is growing and significant American interest here in working in Nigeria, in investing in Nigeria, partnering with Nigerians.  And we see many American companies, some of them present here, who are already working to help meet President Tinubu’s goal of one million digital jobs.  The world’s largest subsea cable is on its way.  It will reach Lagos next month.  And as I’ve looked at the numbers, more than a quarter of American venture capital coming to Africa is coming to Nigeria. So there is a – more than a profound interest.  There is incredible activity already going on.  Now, there are challenges that still need to – need to be met to make sure that this is the most inviting business environment possible, and we talked about some of them, including last night meeting with federal government leadership, including the ability to repatriate capital, including the ongoing challenge of rooting out corruption. But here, every single day, this Corner is going to strengthen partnerships between the United States and Nigeria, and I believe it’s going to fuel further tech innovation, indeed fuel the tech revolution.  As I got a chance to see some of the remarkable work that some of your entrepreneurs have done, one thing is abundantly clear to me, and I see this around the world:  No one place, no one people, have a monopoly on good ideas or innovation.  It happens everywhere.  And especially in this century, the true wealth of a nation, the true strength of society, will be in its ability to allow its human resources to flourish.  Yes, big military matters, geography matters, the size of your population matters, the abundance of natural resources matters, but human resources matter most of all.  And countries that succeed in unleashing their human resources, no matter whether they have an abundance or not in those other measures of strength of wealth, they are going to do very, very well.  And that starts with empowering young people. Here, courses on everything from learning how to code to how to write a business plan will be offered.  And by the way, I should probably sign up for the coding course.  (Laughter.)  Video recording, podcast studios, access to robotics equipment, 3D printing.  This understanding of innovation and understanding that innovation is amplified by connection that you all represent, is central to so much of what we’re doing.  We have something we recently established with all of the countries bordering on the Atlantic, the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, three dozen coastal Atlantic countries, including the United States, including Nigeria, working together to promote a stable, sustainable, prosperous Atlantic region. Our own mission in Nigeria is working with our Congress to launch the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy, a hackathon, because one of the things I found very powerful as well is when you put young minds and technology together, they can find solutions and solve problems in ways that some of us who may be a little bit older and more set in our ways and maybe not quite so adept with technology simply can’t do.  We’ll bring together the government, the private sector, students to develop solutions to economic and environmental challenges, like addressing plastic pollution or using ocean currents to create energy.  Imagine that.  One of the many ways that innovation’s relationship to learning are facilitated here, as we’re doing that, that is going to be vital to tackling all of these shared challenges.  And also you talked about, Mr. Chairman, bumps in the road giving us energy to move forward.  Yes, there are tremendous challenges.  We’re very conscious of them every single day.  But there are also profound opportunities, and unleashing imagination, unleashing innovation, unleashing partnership, that’s the way to seize them. So I mentioned I had a chance to meet with a few very impressive young Nigerian entrepreneurs a moment ago.  One of them was helping businesses harness AI to automate operations, using virtual reality to help students learn when studies are hindered by a natural disaster or something else that keeps them out of their physical classrooms.  And there again, the ingenuity, the dynamism is extraordinary.  And that is, I think, fundamentally the spirit that unites our democracies, that unites the United States and Nigeria.  So as we’re here together in this space, as we’re here together in this innovation hub, I can’t even imagine what people will create, what they will build here together.  And in a way, that’s the whole point.  Whatever it is, whatever it is that we can’t see today but you will all help us see tomorrow and realize tomorrow – that’s what will make the most powerful difference in our world.  Through centers like this we look forward to ambition continuing to grow alongside our relationship.  And as it does, as my boss likes to say, there is nothing – nothing – we can’t accomplish if we set our minds to it and we do it together.  So thank you very, very much.  (Applause.) Now, one of the best parts of this job occasionally – and I’ll invite the consul general, I’ll invite you, Mr. Chairman, Debola, please come back up and join us – is to occasionally get to cut a ribbon, so that’s what we’re going to do.  (The ribbon was cut.) (Applause.)  Tags Bureau of African Affairs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Exchanges Diplomacy Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Education Programs Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

The United States and Angola: Partnering for Prosperity

01/24/2024

The United States and Angola: Partnering for Prosperity 01/24/2024 12:01 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…The United States and Angola: Partnering for Prosperity hide The United States and Angola: Partnering for Prosperity Fact Sheet January 24, 2024 Secretary Antony J. Blinken will visit Luanda, Angola, January 24-25, where he will meet with President João Lourenço and Foreign Minister Tete Antonio to discuss the U.S.-Angola bilateral relationship and commitments made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit on key areas such as climate, food security, global health cooperation, economic engagement, and trade.  The Secretary will also discuss how to advance our partnerships based on shared values that promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, strengthen mutual security, and exemplify rule of law. U.S.-Angola Relations Since the United States and Angola established diplomatic relations 30 years ago (1993), our bilateral relationship has deepened with regular senior-level engagements and increasing cooperation on key shared objectives. Angola is a strategic partner and regional leader, and the U.S.-Angola partnership is critical to advancing our shared goals for expanding economic prosperity and energy access, upholding democracy and human rights, and advancing regional security. Since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022, the United States has engaged in frequent and substantive high-level engagements with Angola.  Highlights in the past year include President Biden’s meeting with President Lourenço at the White House on November 30, and visits from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Deputy Assistant to the President Amos Hochstein. In November 2023, the U.S. and Angola signed the Artemis Accords, which advances a common vision of cooperation in space exploration for the benefit of all humankind. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg welcomed Angola Minister of Transport D’Abreu to Washington, D.C in April 2023 to initial a bilateral Open Skies Agreement, facilitating increased air connectivity between the United States and Angola, providing significant new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment. Economic, Trade, and Investment Ties   The United States is developing strategic economic corridors to bring goods, services, and jobs to underserved populations and integrate them into the global economy.  With investment from the United States Government and Western companies, the renewed Lobito Corridor will connect communities and create new opportunity across Southern Africa.  The President’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) initiative is currently working with the Government of Angola and development partners to build modern infrastructure from the Atlantic Ocean through to Zambia. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has closely supported Angola’s efforts to reduce its debt vulnerabilities through technical assistance throughout 2023.  The program has successfully enabled the Angolan government to reprofile its domestic debt and lower interest costs. USAID will provide approximately $1 million to assist the Angolan Ministry of Transportation to develop their planned Public-Private-Partnership Unit for transportation infrastructure.  The support will enable the Ministry to replicate the successful and transparent Lobito Rail concession for additional rail and port investments. The U.S. Geological Survey Institute and the Angolan Geological Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November 2023 that will enable further scientific collaboration between the two agencies to advance Angola’s potential as a critical minerals producer. Along with physical infrastructure, the United States is investing in Angola’s digital architecture, supporting reliable telecommunication networks — using trusted vendors — that will benefit the Angolan people and improve Angola’s digital connectivity to the global economy. Peace and Security The U.S.-Angola partnership continues to grow, focusing on a wide range of security priorities, including International Military Education and Training, English language capacity building, maritime security, humanitarian demining, improving physical security and effective management of weapons stockpiles, and peacekeeping.  In the coming year, the U.S. will explore new opportunities to expand capacity building efforts for cyber security and Angola’s Navy. The U.S. has significantly increased military assistance to Angola in the past four years, providing over $18 million from 2020-2023. Food Security  The United States is working with Angola to increase food security and climate resilience through building capacity and expanding investment in support of Angola’s agriculture development and economic diversification. Angola has been identified as one of six countries for Phase I implementation of the Vision for Adaptive Crops and Soils (VACS).  Through VACS, a part of Feed the Future, and working closely with the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), the United States and Angola are partnering to boost agricultural productivity and nutrition by developing diverse, climate-resilient crop varieties and building healthy, fertile soils.  The U.S.-Angolan VACS partnership will accelerate plant breeding efforts on nutritious, indigenous African crop varieties and build climate-resilience by delivering improved crops.  The partnership will also increase access to knowledge and information at the government, farm, and field levels, enabling informed decisions about what to grow, where to grow it, and which soil management practices to apply. USAID provided $13.3 million in 2022 and 2023 in emergency assistance to five southern Angolan provinces affected by the 2022 drought.  The program screened over 500,000 children for acute malnutrition and treated 121,000 for moderate to severe malnutrition. Through a $5 million Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund project, USAID will support agricultural development along the Lobito Corridor, focusing on linking women smallholder farmers to value chains that will use the rail line as a critical component of sustainability of the corridor project. Health Cooperation The United States and Angola have a longstanding and productive partnership in health.  U.S. support has included decades of investment to improve the day-to-day health of Angolans, particularly against malaria and HIV/AIDS.  Over the past two decades, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the largest commitment by any nation to fight HIV/AIDS in history, has invested nearly $263 million in Angola, providing Angolans with HIV testing, prevention, care and treatment services, and strengthening public health systems.  This includes providing more than 24,000 individuals with life-saving HIV treatment by the end of FY23. PEPFAR has strengthened public health and laboratory systems in Angola, providing technical assistance to the National HIV/AIDS Coordinating Office and the Ministry of Health in supply chain management, clinical treatment, capacity building, and community-based mobilization. In response to COVID-19, the United States, in partnership with COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), has donated more than 11 million safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses to the people of Angola since July 2021.  An additional 432,000 COVID-19 bivalent vaccines are tentatively scheduled for delivery to Angola during the week of February 5, as part of a bilateral donation executed from the U.S. Government. During the past year, the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) distributed over 4 million bed nets to protect Angolans against malaria and trained over 8,000 health workers to diagnose and treat malaria.  Through September 2023, Angola has witnessed a 15 percent decrease in deaths in PMI-focused provinces. USAID is providing $5 million from the Local Works program to partner with local universities to address road traffic injuries and deaths, the second leading cause of death behind malaria in Angola and a major burden on economic growth potential due to lost human capital and medical costs. Climate and Environment  Despite being one of the largest oil and gas producers in sub-Saharan Africa, Angola has made ambitious environmental and conservation commitments with U.S. support, as it endeavors to generate 73 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2027. Angola joined the Global Methane Pledge in November 2023, a voluntary framework calling on nations to collectively reduce methane emissions by 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030.  Reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere is the most effective strategy to limit warming in this decade. Since 1995, the United States has contributed over $129 million towards Angola’s demining efforts.  Alongside U.S. support, Angola has invested $60 million of its own resources to demine national parks and to support conservation and eco-tourism development objectives in the Okavango River Basin. The State Department is funding efforts to counter wildlife trafficking through training of law enforcement, prosecutors, and park rangers. USAID is supporting biodiversity conservation, water resource management and sanitation services, conservation-based livelihoods, and lower-impact renewable energy solutions in the upper watershed of the Okavango River. NASA’s Applied Sciences program’s water resources focus area is supporting research on drought mitigation, crop irrigation schemes, water resource management, and reservoir management in Angola. Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights The United States supports Angola’s efforts to combat corruption, enhance accountability and rule of law, and advance democratic governance, respect human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedoms of expression, press, association, peaceful assembly, and religion or belief.  The United States continues to support Angola’s commitment to democratic reforms, including amplifying civil society and faith-based organizations’ roles in democratic free and fair elections and local decision making.  The State Department has provided $7.8 million since 2021 in support of these goals. In addition, the State Department, through the Africa Regional Democracy Fund, also provides funding to promote press freedom in Angola through specialized training and advocacy programming. USAID and State Department are working with the National Bank of Angola to support Angola’s continued efforts to fight against corruption. The programming will increase public finance transparency and build the capacity of oversight institutions in support of Angola’s implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standard. Since 2019, the Treasury Department has provided technical assistance to strengthen Angolan institutions’ ability to identify, detect, and prosecute money laundering, terrorist financing, and other crimes in support of Angola’s political and economic reforms. Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Angola is an active member and positive voice in the formation of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, a White House priority which was launched on September 18, 2023.  The Partnership is a platform for Atlantic coastal states to work together to address common challenges to realize interconnected goals of advancing a peaceful, stable, prosperous, open, safe, and cooperative Atlantic region and promote a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic resource for generations to come.  It currently has 36 member states across the Atlantic. Tags Africa Africa Leaders Summit Angola Artemis Accords Bureau of African Affairs Climate and Environment Climate Change Economic Affairs Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Food Security Global Health Global Health Global Women's Issues Human Rights and Democracy Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Open Skies Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

State Department Announces New Lateral Entry Pilot Program

01/24/2024

State Department Announces New Lateral Entry Pilot Program 01/24/2024 11:56 AM EST Office of the Spokesperson The U.S. Department of State is announcing the new Lateral Entry Pilot Program (LEPP), a career opportunity for mid-level entry into the Foreign Service at grades FP-03 and FP-02.  The program seeks to recruit mid-career professionals from the civil service, broader public sector, private sector, and academia with critical skills and experience. Mandated by the Department of State Authorities Act of FY 2017, LEPP is designed to help fulfill the Department’s commitment to recruit and hire experts in areas critical U.S. foreign policy, including cyberspace and emerging technologies; climate, environment, and energy; global health security and diplomacy; strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China (PRC); economic statecraft; multilateral diplomacy; and consular management. Up to 35 LEPP applicants will be selected for the Foreign Service in 2024. Those selected will receive an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer. LEPP hires must meet all of the following requirements: Successfully pass the Foreign Service Officer Assessment (FSOA); Demonstrate professional experience in the specific areas identified by the program as outlined in the relevant vacancy announcement; Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application; Meet the minimum medical qualification standard; Pass and retain security clearance requirements; and Complete the Foreign Service entry-level orientation For more information about this opportunity, please visit: Lateral Entry Pilot Program – Careers (state.gov)

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Allen Travels to Rhode Island to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary of Welcome Corps and to Visit U.S. Naval War College

01/24/2024

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Allen Travels to Rhode Island to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary of Welcome Corps and to Visit U.S. Naval War College 01/24/2024 12:22 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson To demonstrate the U.S. Department of State’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and refugee support, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen will travel to Providence, Rhode Island. Joined by U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, the Under Secretary will tour Beautiful Day, a local nonprofit that produces and sells granola and other food items and provides training and employment opportunities for newly arrived refugees.  This visit coincides with the first anniversary of the Welcome Corps program, a pioneering initiative launched by the Department of State and the Department of Health and Human Services in January 2023, which empowers Americans to sponsor refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Under Secretary Allen’s visit aims to spotlight the vital contributions refugees make to U.S. communities and showcases their role in driving innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. The visit to Beautiful Day is a testament to the positive impact of American generosity and the spirit of welcome that defines our nation. On Thursday, January 25, Under Secretary Allen will engage with students, faculty, and leadership at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport to discuss the vital role public diplomacy plays in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives and its intersection with defense strategies.  She will also meet with State Department Foreign Service Officers currently studying at the Naval War College to highlight the collaborative training efforts between the Departments of State and Defense in promoting and safeguarding U.S. interests. For further information about Beautiful Day, please visit beautifuldayri.org.  For further information about Welcome Corps, please visit welcomecorps.org.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research 01/24/2024 01:04 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Lagos, Nigeria Nigerian Institute for Medical Research SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  So I don’t know if you had a – some of you had a chance to be inside with us, but this is something quite extraordinary to see and also something that just as an American fills me with a certain amount of pride.  The work that the United States and Nigeria have been doing together going back to the beginning, really, of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the extraordinary PEPFAR program that President Bush established and that has continued under successive administrations in partnership with our friends here is getting us to the point where we can eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat, and it has already saved well over 20 million lives and changed the lives of millions of other people. But what’s even more powerful about it is that because of the work that we did and the platform that we established, when COVID hit, our friends here were able to use the PEPFAR platform to address the COVID challenge and do it so successfully.  And even more, so much of the knowledge that they’ve built up over the years allowed them to really take matters into their own hands and, for example, develop right here diagnostic kits.  When supply chains were disrupted, when it was hard to get things moving around the world, they took matters into their own hands.  And that’s because one of the very powerful things about what we do working with others is we transfer knowledge, we transfer expertise, and ultimately that leads to our friends and partners developing their own strong capacity to do things for themselves. And there’s no better example than here at this remarkable institution that’s both treating people but also doing the research, developing new diagnostics and contributing to not only the health security for Nigeria, but I think increasingly for countries in the region and ultimately for everyone else in the world.  So seeing this today, it’s just a powerful example of the partnership between the United States and Nigeria on public health and the – really the transition from simply providing assistance, as important as that is, to helping our partners develop the capacity to work so effectively for themselves as well as for other people.  So I’m really grateful for the opportunity to see this firsthand. One final thing – it only underscores the importance of continuing to extend the PEPFAR program and getting that done and getting that done quickly.  It is literally a matter of saving more lives, changing more lives, dealing once and for all with HIV/AIDS, but also continuing to strengthen public health systems so that when the next epidemic comes along – and it will – we and countries around the world are in a much better place to deal with it quickly and effectively.  The stakes are real.  They couldn’t be higher, but you can see the results – the positive results – when we work with this kind of collaboration.  Thank you.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research 01/24/2024 01:04 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Lagos, Nigeria Nigerian Institute for Medical Research SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  So I don’t know if you had a – some of you had a chance to be inside with us, but this is something quite extraordinary to see and also something that just as an American fills me with a certain amount of pride.  The work that the United States and Nigeria have been doing together going back to the beginning, really, of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the extraordinary PEPFAR program that President Bush established and that has continued under successive administrations in partnership with our friends here is getting us to the point where we can eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat, and it has already saved well over 20 million lives and changed the lives of millions of other people. But what’s even more powerful about it is that because of the work that we did and the platform that we established, when COVID hit, our friends here were able to use the PEPFAR platform to address the COVID challenge and do it so successfully.  And even more, so much of the knowledge that they’ve built up over the years allowed them to really take matters into their own hands and, for example, develop right here diagnostic kits.  When supply chains were disrupted, when it was hard to get things moving around the world, they took matters into their own hands.  And that’s because one of the very powerful things about what we do working with others is we transfer knowledge, we transfer expertise, and ultimately that leads to our friends and partners developing their own strong capacity to do things for themselves. And there’s no better example than here at this remarkable institution that’s both treating people but also doing the research, developing new diagnostics and contributing to not only the health security for Nigeria, but I think increasingly for countries in the region and ultimately for everyone else in the world.  So seeing this today, it’s just a powerful example of the partnership between the United States and Nigeria on public health and the – really the transition from simply providing assistance, as important as that is, to helping our partners develop the capacity to work so effectively for themselves as well as for other people.  So I’m really grateful for the opportunity to see this firsthand. One final thing – it only underscores the importance of continuing to extend the PEPFAR program and getting that done and getting that done quickly.  It is literally a matter of saving more lives, changing more lives, dealing once and for all with HIV/AIDS, but also continuing to strengthen public health systems so that when the next epidemic comes along – and it will – we and countries around the world are in a much better place to deal with it quickly and effectively.  The stakes are real.  They couldn’t be higher, but you can see the results – the positive results – when we work with this kind of collaboration.  Thank you.

U.S. Department of State Releases FY 2023 Demographic Data As Part of Its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Demographic Baseline Report

01/24/2024

U.S. Department of State Releases FY 2023 Demographic Data As Part of Its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Demographic Baseline Report 01/24/2024 03:45 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson Today, the Secretary’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion released the Department’s FY 2023 DEIA demographic data, which is available on the interactive dashboard that hosts the Department’s DEIA Demographic Baseline Report (DBR): state.gov/deia-dbr.  To view the comprehensive accessible alternative version, please visit state.gov/deia-dbr-accessible-alternative .  The DBR is updated at the beginning of each calendar year and provides a bureau-by-bureau breakdown of the Department’s Civil and Foreign Service workforce by race, ethnicity, sex, disability, grade/rank, and job series/skill codes.  The DBR includes Census data so the Department can see how it reflects the rich diversity of America and data from the U.S. Department of Labor statistics which outlines who is available to be hired from the U.S. labor market in any given job series skill codes. Per Executive Order 14035 on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce and in National Security and Foreign Policy Workforce, as directed by National Security Memorandum-3, the Federal Government must strengthen its ability to recruit, hire, develop, promote, and retain our nation’s talent and remove barriers to equal opportunity.   The Department’s DBR data is examined to identify if there are potential anomalies that may suggest a barrier to equal employment opportunity so that barrier analyses can be conducted to identify what policies, practices, and procedures may need to be changed to ensure equal opportunity. The Department of State’s ability to achieve critical national security and foreign policy goals requires it to attract America’s best and brightest employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or diversity indicators such as status as a veteran or first generation American, socioeconomic status, or where they grew up.  Conducting diplomacy that serves the interests and honors the values of the American people requires a Department of State that includes all Americans.  Such a workforce gives us a unique advantage on the world stage.  Advancing DEIA in our workplace is a national security imperative and the best way to ensure that the United States is positioned to handle the challenges—and opportunities—of the 21st Century. The dataset for the DBR represents all full-time, permanent, direct-hire Civil Service and Foreign Service employees as of September 30, 2023.  Other staff, such as contractors of any type, as well as Locally Employed (LE) Staff, Interns, Eligible Family Members (EFMs), and Reemployed Annuitants (REAs) are not included in this report. By transparently sharing the workforce data with employees, Congress, and the public, the Department demonstrates its commitment to holding itself accountable for creating an environment where all employees have equal opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to protecting and promoting U.S. national security interests. For questions, please contact diversity@state.gov.  Follow along on Twitter/X and LinkedIn at @StateDeptDEIA.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV 01/24/2024 04:29 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV Interview January 24, 2024 QUESTION:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for joining us — SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good to be with you.  Thank you. QUESTION:  — in spite of your very busy schedule.  As an opener, how were you able to sit for the match in Ivory Coast? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, first, I’m a lifelong football fan.  So it was incredibly exciting to be there, and also just to see the remarkable job that our friends in the Ivory Coast did in bringing everyone together for the Cup of Nations.  But I was sitting with some friends and colleagues from the Ivory Coast, and it was a bit of a tough match for the Elephants, so I was being very sympathetic to that. But mostly I just felt the excitement in the stadium, the excitement of the game, and the excitement of people coming together throughout the continent and well beyond.  There were a lot of Americans who traveled to the Ivory Coast to see the tournament.  It’s just a reminder of how powerful sports is in connecting people – connecting people across geography, across language, across culture.  That’s really what was so exciting about it. QUESTION:  That was good.  After the first goal, I’m sure you thought, “Ah, they will equalize.”  But they never did. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, yeah.  And then when that goal – when the Ivory Coast goal was disallowed for offsides, I think it deflated them a little bit.  But look, young players, incredibly talented. QUESTION:  Absolutely. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  They’ll be back, and there are so many other great teams involved.  Of course, Nigeria. QUESTION:  Good.  That’s history now, but welcome to Nigeria. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you. QUESTION:  Your schedule here to Africa is hectic, very tightly packed, and this is the second time within ten months that you’re here.  I told you just a minute ago that I’ll soon start calling you brother. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  That would be honor.  Thank you. QUESTION:  And anyway, you come in here twice within ten months on the heels of other senior-level U.S. Government officials. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  That’s right. QUESTION:  And Mr. President, the President Biden, said we’re all in on Africa at the last summit.  And he promised to come.  Doesn’t this visit foreshadow the fact that the commitment by the President, since it was unfulfilled, is putting Africa lower on the priorities list of U.S.-African foreign policy? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I would say I think it’s just the opposite.  As you mention, of course, the President very much wants to come to Africa.  Beyond that, though, as you mention, I think we’ve had 17 cabinet-level or department-level officials come since the Africa Leaders Summit.  And one of the things President Biden was so intent on is – we had three great days in Washington with the Africa Leaders Summit, but he wants to make sure that the 362 days that follow those three days to make up the year we’re focused and engaged here.  And there’s a simple reason for it.  For the United States, we see Africa as a continent that’s shaped our past, it is our shaping our present, and it will for sure shape our future.  When we have one in four people on this planet soon to be coming from Africa.  And when we have with Nigeria in particular the continent’s largest country, its largest economy, its largest democracy, there’s a natural partnership.  That’s why I’m back, to follow up on the commitments that were made at the Africa Leaders Summit by the President and to strengthen and deepen the partnership that we already have. QUESTION:  How does the State Department plan to strengthen diplomatic relations with Nigeria in the context of increasing global competition for influence in Africa? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, first there is – there are tremendous needs and opportunities that no one country is going to be able to meet by itself.  We make very significant investments – often, for example, through the United Nations, as well as through other programs – in health security, the PEPFAR program, which has been one of the greatest things that we’ve done, and it’s had a big impact here in on Nigeria, for food security, working on combatting climate change, given the impacts that it has.  We’re investing in infrastructure, and we see that, for example, in something the President has established, the Lobito Corridor that will join up Zambia, the DRC, and Angola in creating physical and digital infrastructure. But here’s the biggest difference-maker, I think.  The United States also – and maybe uniquely – invests in knowledge, in transferring knowledge, in sharing techniques, in sharing understanding, so that countries that we’re partnered with can then do it themselves and aren’t dependent or reliant on us or anyone else.  So it’s that investment in knowledge that I think is one of the most powerful things we do. Here in Lagos, we just opened our 25th American Corner in Nigeria, the most of any country in Africa.  And this is a place where people can come not only to connect to the United States, but also to learn, to develop skills – whether it’s English language skills or technology skills – to build their knowledge. QUESTION:  So this is laudable investments and projects for Africa.  But did the U.S. wait to see China and Russia taking the bull by the horns and coming in for us before it served as a wakeup call? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, this is not about – for us, it’s not about China, Russia, or any other country.  It really is about the partnerships that we see as offering tremendous opportunity, not just for our African partners, but for us.  Look, the reality is none of the problems that we’re trying to solve for the American people can we solve alone.  None of the challenges that we have to face for the American people can we effectively meet alone.  We need to be doing this in partnership. I saw just here in Lagos some young Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators, who are finding answers to problems that we also have in the United States.  The more you’re able to connect people together in that way, the better it’s going to be for all of us. So we’re not here – we’re not engaged here because of any other country; we’re engaged here because of the opportunity that we see to strengthen partnerships and to actually meet our common challenges.  And it’s a natural for us, in part because of history.  But again, when we think of the future, what we think and what we see and what we feel is Africa.  And that’s why the President, President Biden, has made sure that we’re focused, even with everything else going on in the world. QUESTION:  Shifting gear now, let’s ask you to speak to us about U.S.-Nigeria security collaborations, especially in combatting terrorism and regional instability, which are affecting economic and development efforts in Nigeria.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I think the challenge there is acute, and we can’t minimize it.  But we’re also determined to proceed in partnership with Nigeria in meeting that challenge.  Now, it has to be – and I believe it is – a comprehensive approach.  Of course, there’s the hard security part of this.  And so things that we’re doing in terms of building capacity in Nigeria among the security forces, the military, equipment, technology, intelligence, information sharing – all of those kinds of things are very important.  But also important is taking a comprehensive approach if you’re really going to be effective, for example, in dealing with extremism or terrorism.  The relationship between security forces and the communities that they are supposed to be protecting is critically important.  Making sure that the forces are there looking out for the people, not enabling or doing bad things to the people – that’s hugely important.  Making sure that we’re also looking at some of the root causes that may be pushing people or driving people to take up crime or to engage in extremism or terrorism.  That’s very important too, and that means finding ways to create more opportunity for people throughout the country, so that they can have and believe in a future, that they can put bread on the table for their families.  Because if you can’t do that, if you can’t put bread on the table for your kids, you’ll probably be willing to do anything in order to accomplish it.  It’s a long way of saying we have to have – and we do have – a comprehensive approach to this, in partnership with the government and in partnership with local communities as well.  But the more Nigeria succeeds in developing its economy, pursuing innovation, connecting people, and meeting some of the very serious challenges when it comes to health, when it comes to climate, when it comes to energy, when it comes to food security – those ultimately are the best ways to create the conditions in which extremism, criminality, terrorism doesn’t grow.  QUESTION:  Let’s talk about trade and development issues.  First, let’s turn our searchlight on energy and environmental policies.  Given Nigeria’s status as the major oil supplier to the U.S., how is the U.S. engaging with Nigeria on energy diversification and climate change mitigation?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, we feel a real responsibility to be a strong partner on the transition to a renewable-based energy economy, because historically we developed in such a way that we did things in our own development that we’re now asking other countries not to do because of the impact on the environment.  So we have a responsibility to help, to help lead the way.  That goes to some of the financing that we’re putting into enabling countries to build greater resilience and to adapt.  It comes with the technology and innovation that we helped develop and we’re sharing to make sure that countries can take advantage of technology to move away from fossil fuels.   It also comes with an understanding that this is a transition; it won’t happen overnight.  But there has to be a clear plan and clear support from us and for other countries that have developed their economies in previous years to make sure that we’re doing this together.  That’s the nature of what we’re trying to do with Nigeria.  QUESTION:  Two more quick questions, because I know you’ve got to go.  You spoke about the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Yes.  QUESTION:  Could you expatiate on that?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, look, one of the things – I think there are a couple of things that are very important.  Of course, we want to see trade and investment strengthened between the United States and Africa.  And actually, just since the Africa Leaders Summit, we’ve seen a significant jump in two-way trade and investment, a 60 percent increase just in that period of time.  And partly that goes to the work our own government is doing with the tools that we have to support our private sector in doing more within Africa.  At the same time, there are things that countries here can do to create the strongest possible investment environment.  But there’s another aspect to this.  I think within Africa itself making sure that the environment exists – and this what the Free Trade Area in Africa itself is doing – so that African countries are trading with and investing in each other.  You have a very unusual situation historically, where up until now African countries have done more trade and had more investment outside of Africa than they have within Africa.  That should and it is changing because that’s really missing tremendous opportunities.   But it also requires connecting countries in Africa.  That’s why we’re also taking a regional approach.  I mentioned the Lobito Corridor before that will physically as well as digitally join Zambia, the DRC, and Angola.  That connectivity is the way you get more trade and investment flowing among Africans and within Africa, as well as maximizing opportunities to bring trade and investment from other countries to Africa.   QUESTION:  Finally, Mr. Secretary, what will be your greatest takeaway yet from your trip to Nigeria?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Oh, look, it’s, in a way, the same takeaway I’ve had on multiple trips here.  It’s the vibrancy, the energy, the innovativeness of this young population.  And that’s why when I say for us Africa is the future, you can see the future is now.  It’s actually happening right now.  And it’s especially happening with young people here.  The – some of the innovators that I met today here in Lagos, who, as I said, are finding creative solutions to problems that are shared around the world – that’s what’s so incredibly exciting about the partnerships that we’re building in Africa.  We can see a future where African solutions, African voices are critical and central to everything that’s going on around the world.  We want to be part of that.  QUESTION:  Very well.  Secretary Blinken, thank you very much, indeed, for joining us.  And best wishes on your onward trip.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you so much.  QUESTION:  Thank you very much.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Great to be with you.  QUESTION:  My pleasure.   SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.   Tags Africa Africa Leaders Summit Bureau of African Affairs Economic Affairs Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Global Health Global Health Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique 01/24/2024 04:37 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique Interview January 24, 2024 Via Translation  QUESTION:  Four countries in four days.  Thank you, Mr. Secretary of State, for taking the time to talk to us during your visit.  Let’s start with Nigeria.  Despite its economic dynamism and President Tinubu’s promise to double the GDP within eight years, the country is ranked as the fifth most violent country in the world by the ACLED group, which you must be aware of.  How does the Biden administration propose to help the country improve its security situation and achieve its economic potential?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  You know, there’s an approach, a partnership that needs to be comprehensive.  Obviously, there is support through programs to strengthen Nigerians’ capacity to address security challenges, whether it’s in terms of intelligence, equipment, or training.  All of that is very important.  We’re trying to do this in greater depth, but at the same time, there needs to be an approach that takes everything into account.  For example – and by the way, we were, for example, in Côte d’Ivoire just before coming to Nigeria, and we saw that an approach that takes into account the needs of the community, that tries to create a more positive relationship between security forces and the community in question, also has a very important impact on controlling extremism, terrorism, and crime efficiently.  So that is important.  And it’s also necessary to try to address the root causes that essentially take choices away from people, which leads them to choose crime, terrorism, extremism.  Hence everything we do not only in terms of aid and assistance but especially in terms of investments, creating economic partnerships, establishing economic infrastructure that can create opportunities not only in major cities but throughout the country.  All of this is a process.  It takes time, it doesn’t happen immediately, but it starts with a comprehensive vision of how to tackle the problems – yes, at the security level, but also in a more expansive, comprehensive way.  QUESTION:  You talked about the need to engage with the putschist regimes in the Sahel, including in Niger.  With Mali and Burkina Faso, this country has formed a defensive pact, as you are well aware, the Alliance of Sahel States.  Is this potentially a legitimate regional grouping, or is it too close to Russia?  And more generally, how do you avoid a new fragmentation of Africa that could resemble the Cold War with its blocs?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Obviously, we are very concerned about the developments we have seen in Mali, in Burkina Faso, and more recently in Niger.  There is a timeline for a return to civilian governance for the first two, which is very important to us, and which I believe is crucial for the countries in the region as well.  So, that’s what we want to see.  In Niger – by the way, I was in Niger with President Bazoum before the coup, a month before, a few weeks before, and already it was a positive example of what we could do together to address both security and economic challenges, and others as well.  In this regard, the role of ECOWAS is mainly to try to convince the putschists to return to constitutional order within a very clear and limited timeframe.  I believe that’s essential.  There was a meeting with President Tinubu as the chairman of ECOWAS late last year, precisely to try to establish this process.  And for us, the United States, if Niger returns to the path of constitutional order and democracy, obviously, we are ready to lift sanctions.  We are ready to reinstate the programs we shared against terrorism, for security.  It all depends on the concrete steps the putschists take.  I have some hope that it can move in a better direction, but I don’t see the evolution towards a new order or a new configuration of states.  We have seen something else in Mali, in Burkina Faso.  When they, and others, call on external forces like Wagner, for example, to try to address the security problem, what do we see?  We see that the problems become even more serious, more difficult – violence, extremism, terrorism in the states that have requested the help of Wagner.  It’s increasing, not decreasing.  And obviously, the exploitation of resources, the exploitation of people.  We see that too.  So it’s not the answer, and we know it.  It’s not just because we say it; we know it from experience in these countries.  The answer is a return to constitutional order, to democracy, but also to governments that listen and respond to the needs of the people.    None of this is easy.  The problems, the challenges are very significant.  But we have now seen what happens when we make the other choice, and it doesn’t go well, on the contrary, the situation only worsens, especially for the people in question.  QUESTION:  You are now traveling to Angola at the end of your trip.  The country remains ravaged by corruption.  Why is President Lourenco considered a more acceptable, and above all more reliable partner, compared to his predecessor Dos Santos?  And what is the current state of American relations with, after all, a former Cold War adversary?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Actually, let me tell you this:  What we see with President Lourenco is someone who is actually fighting against corruption.  And we see that he has followed a very important path that both recognizes corruption as a poison for development and for creating opportunities, and takes very concrete steps to combat it.  At the same time, it is also necessary to create, I think, a more open system in order to truly address corruption.  For example, civil society has a very important role to play.  For that, there needs to be even more space for civil society, for the media, who also have a critical role to play in countering corruption, in shedding light on it, and in combating it.  But we see a very positive development in Angola, especially in this fight against corruption.  And we also have partnerships with Angola, with Zambia, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the very, very important Lobito Corridor infrastructure project which will bring a transportation and digital communication system to the people in these three countries and throughout the African continent, supporting a very important economic revolution.  Something that has been lacking in Africa and that is now emerging is having an internal market which would be as important, if not more important, than the external market.  The fact that African countries historically have more trade and investment with countries outside of Africa than among themselves is a missed opportunity.  Now, with a growing free-trade system in Africa, especially with the necessary infrastructure for it to work, we see a future where economic growth has much more significant possibilities.  And especially the connections we make between countries, with Angola playing a very important role in this corridor, I believe it holds a lot of promises for the future.  Something else with Angola:  President Lourenco has been playing a very important role in trying to manage crises through diplomacy, especially what is happening in eastern Congo and Rwanda, where the process established by Angola is very important to try to find a diplomatic way forward and not through war.  So all this to tell you that he is becoming an increasingly important partner.  President Lourenco came to the White House and met with President Biden last year, and President Biden asked me to follow up.  That’s why we are visiting Angola.  QUESTION:  Very well, thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Tags Africa Africa Leaders Summit African Union Bureau of African Affairs Economic Affairs Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Secretary Trip The Secretary of State Security

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV 01/24/2024 04:29 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Dr. John Momoh of Channels TV Interview January 24, 2024 QUESTION:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for joining us — SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good to be with you.  Thank you. QUESTION:  — in spite of your very busy schedule.  As an opener, how were you able to sit for the match in Ivory Coast? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, first, I’m a lifelong football fan.  So it was incredibly exciting to be there, and also just to see the remarkable job that our friends in the Ivory Coast did in bringing everyone together for the Cup of Nations.  But I was sitting with some friends and colleagues from the Ivory Coast, and it was a bit of a tough match for the Elephants, so I was being very sympathetic to that. But mostly I just felt the excitement in the stadium, the excitement of the game, and the excitement of people coming together throughout the continent and well beyond.  There were a lot of Americans who traveled to the Ivory Coast to see the tournament.  It’s just a reminder of how powerful sports is in connecting people – connecting people across geography, across language, across culture.  That’s really what was so exciting about it. QUESTION:  That was good.  After the first goal, I’m sure you thought, “Ah, they will equalize.”  But they never did. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, yeah.  And then when that goal – when the Ivory Coast goal was disallowed for offsides, I think it deflated them a little bit.  But look, young players, incredibly talented. QUESTION:  Absolutely. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  They’ll be back, and there are so many other great teams involved.  Of course, Nigeria. QUESTION:  Good.  That’s history now, but welcome to Nigeria. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you. QUESTION:  Your schedule here to Africa is hectic, very tightly packed, and this is the second time within ten months that you’re here.  I told you just a minute ago that I’ll soon start calling you brother. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  That would be honor.  Thank you. QUESTION:  And anyway, you come in here twice within ten months on the heels of other senior-level U.S. Government officials. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  That’s right. QUESTION:  And Mr. President, the President Biden, said we’re all in on Africa at the last summit.  And he promised to come.  Doesn’t this visit foreshadow the fact that the commitment by the President, since it was unfulfilled, is putting Africa lower on the priorities list of U.S.-African foreign policy? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I would say I think it’s just the opposite.  As you mention, of course, the President very much wants to come to Africa.  Beyond that, though, as you mention, I think we’ve had 17 cabinet-level or department-level officials come since the Africa Leaders Summit.  And one of the things President Biden was so intent on is – we had three great days in Washington with the Africa Leaders Summit, but he wants to make sure that the 362 days that follow those three days to make up the year we’re focused and engaged here.  And there’s a simple reason for it.  For the United States, we see Africa as a continent that’s shaped our past, it is our shaping our present, and it will for sure shape our future.  When we have one in four people on this planet soon to be coming from Africa.  And when we have with Nigeria in particular the continent’s largest country, its largest economy, its largest democracy, there’s a natural partnership.  That’s why I’m back, to follow up on the commitments that were made at the Africa Leaders Summit by the President and to strengthen and deepen the partnership that we already have. QUESTION:  How does the State Department plan to strengthen diplomatic relations with Nigeria in the context of increasing global competition for influence in Africa? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, first there is – there are tremendous needs and opportunities that no one country is going to be able to meet by itself.  We make very significant investments – often, for example, through the United Nations, as well as through other programs – in health security, the PEPFAR program, which has been one of the greatest things that we’ve done, and it’s had a big impact here in on Nigeria, for food security, working on combatting climate change, given the impacts that it has.  We’re investing in infrastructure, and we see that, for example, in something the President has established, the Lobito Corridor that will join up Zambia, the DRC, and Angola in creating physical and digital infrastructure. But here’s the biggest difference-maker, I think.  The United States also – and maybe uniquely – invests in knowledge, in transferring knowledge, in sharing techniques, in sharing understanding, so that countries that we’re partnered with can then do it themselves and aren’t dependent or reliant on us or anyone else.  So it’s that investment in knowledge that I think is one of the most powerful things we do. Here in Lagos, we just opened our 25th American Corner in Nigeria, the most of any country in Africa.  And this is a place where people can come not only to connect to the United States, but also to learn, to develop skills – whether it’s English language skills or technology skills – to build their knowledge. QUESTION:  So this is laudable investments and projects for Africa.  But did the U.S. wait to see China and Russia taking the bull by the horns and coming in for us before it served as a wakeup call? SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, this is not about – for us, it’s not about China, Russia, or any other country.  It really is about the partnerships that we see as offering tremendous opportunity, not just for our African partners, but for us.  Look, the reality is none of the problems that we’re trying to solve for the American people can we solve alone.  None of the challenges that we have to face for the American people can we effectively meet alone.  We need to be doing this in partnership. I saw just here in Lagos some young Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators, who are finding answers to problems that we also have in the United States.  The more you’re able to connect people together in that way, the better it’s going to be for all of us. So we’re not here – we’re not engaged here because of any other country; we’re engaged here because of the opportunity that we see to strengthen partnerships and to actually meet our common challenges.  And it’s a natural for us, in part because of history.  But again, when we think of the future, what we think and what we see and what we feel is Africa.  And that’s why the President, President Biden, has made sure that we’re focused, even with everything else going on in the world. QUESTION:  Shifting gear now, let’s ask you to speak to us about U.S.-Nigeria security collaborations, especially in combatting terrorism and regional instability, which are affecting economic and development efforts in Nigeria.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  I think the challenge there is acute, and we can’t minimize it.  But we’re also determined to proceed in partnership with Nigeria in meeting that challenge.  Now, it has to be – and I believe it is – a comprehensive approach.  Of course, there’s the hard security part of this.  And so things that we’re doing in terms of building capacity in Nigeria among the security forces, the military, equipment, technology, intelligence, information sharing – all of those kinds of things are very important.  But also important is taking a comprehensive approach if you’re really going to be effective, for example, in dealing with extremism or terrorism.  The relationship between security forces and the communities that they are supposed to be protecting is critically important.  Making sure that the forces are there looking out for the people, not enabling or doing bad things to the people – that’s hugely important.  Making sure that we’re also looking at some of the root causes that may be pushing people or driving people to take up crime or to engage in extremism or terrorism.  That’s very important too, and that means finding ways to create more opportunity for people throughout the country, so that they can have and believe in a future, that they can put bread on the table for their families.  Because if you can’t do that, if you can’t put bread on the table for your kids, you’ll probably be willing to do anything in order to accomplish it.  It’s a long way of saying we have to have – and we do have – a comprehensive approach to this, in partnership with the government and in partnership with local communities as well.  But the more Nigeria succeeds in developing its economy, pursuing innovation, connecting people, and meeting some of the very serious challenges when it comes to health, when it comes to climate, when it comes to energy, when it comes to food security – those ultimately are the best ways to create the conditions in which extremism, criminality, terrorism doesn’t grow.  QUESTION:  Let’s talk about trade and development issues.  First, let’s turn our searchlight on energy and environmental policies.  Given Nigeria’s status as the major oil supplier to the U.S., how is the U.S. engaging with Nigeria on energy diversification and climate change mitigation?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Look, we feel a real responsibility to be a strong partner on the transition to a renewable-based energy economy, because historically we developed in such a way that we did things in our own development that we’re now asking other countries not to do because of the impact on the environment.  So we have a responsibility to help, to help lead the way.  That goes to some of the financing that we’re putting into enabling countries to build greater resilience and to adapt.  It comes with the technology and innovation that we helped develop and we’re sharing to make sure that countries can take advantage of technology to move away from fossil fuels.   It also comes with an understanding that this is a transition; it won’t happen overnight.  But there has to be a clear plan and clear support from us and for other countries that have developed their economies in previous years to make sure that we’re doing this together.  That’s the nature of what we’re trying to do with Nigeria.  QUESTION:  Two more quick questions, because I know you’ve got to go.  You spoke about the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Yes.  QUESTION:  Could you expatiate on that?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, look, one of the things – I think there are a couple of things that are very important.  Of course, we want to see trade and investment strengthened between the United States and Africa.  And actually, just since the Africa Leaders Summit, we’ve seen a significant jump in two-way trade and investment, a 60 percent increase just in that period of time.  And partly that goes to the work our own government is doing with the tools that we have to support our private sector in doing more within Africa.  At the same time, there are things that countries here can do to create the strongest possible investment environment.  But there’s another aspect to this.  I think within Africa itself making sure that the environment exists – and this what the Free Trade Area in Africa itself is doing – so that African countries are trading with and investing in each other.  You have a very unusual situation historically, where up until now African countries have done more trade and had more investment outside of Africa than they have within Africa.  That should and it is changing because that’s really missing tremendous opportunities.   But it also requires connecting countries in Africa.  That’s why we’re also taking a regional approach.  I mentioned the Lobito Corridor before that will physically as well as digitally join Zambia, the DRC, and Angola.  That connectivity is the way you get more trade and investment flowing among Africans and within Africa, as well as maximizing opportunities to bring trade and investment from other countries to Africa.   QUESTION:  Finally, Mr. Secretary, what will be your greatest takeaway yet from your trip to Nigeria?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Oh, look, it’s, in a way, the same takeaway I’ve had on multiple trips here.  It’s the vibrancy, the energy, the innovativeness of this young population.  And that’s why when I say for us Africa is the future, you can see the future is now.  It’s actually happening right now.  And it’s especially happening with young people here.  The – some of the innovators that I met today here in Lagos, who, as I said, are finding creative solutions to problems that are shared around the world – that’s what’s so incredibly exciting about the partnerships that we’re building in Africa.  We can see a future where African solutions, African voices are critical and central to everything that’s going on around the world.  We want to be part of that.  QUESTION:  Very well.  Secretary Blinken, thank you very much, indeed, for joining us.  And best wishes on your onward trip.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you so much.  QUESTION:  Thank you very much.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Great to be with you.  QUESTION:  My pleasure.   SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.   Tags Africa Africa Leaders Summit Bureau of African Affairs Economic Affairs Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Global Health Global Health Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Secretary Trip The Secretary of State

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique

01/24/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique 01/24/2024 04:37 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique hide Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Julian Pecquet of Jeune Afrique Interview January 24, 2024 Via Translation  QUESTION:  Four countries in four days.  Thank you, Mr. Secretary of State, for taking the time to talk to us during your visit.  Let’s start with Nigeria.  Despite its economic dynamism and President Tinubu’s promise to double the GDP within eight years, the country is ranked as the fifth most violent country in the world by the ACLED group, which you must be aware of.  How does the Biden administration propose to help the country improve its security situation and achieve its economic potential?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  You know, there’s an approach, a partnership that needs to be comprehensive.  Obviously, there is support through programs to strengthen Nigerians’ capacity to address security challenges, whether it’s in terms of intelligence, equipment, or training.  All of that is very important.  We’re trying to do this in greater depth, but at the same time, there needs to be an approach that takes everything into account.  For example – and by the way, we were, for example, in Côte d’Ivoire just before coming to Nigeria, and we saw that an approach that takes into account the needs of the community, that tries to create a more positive relationship between security forces and the community in question, also has a very important impact on controlling extremism, terrorism, and crime efficiently.  So that is important.  And it’s also necessary to try to address the root causes that essentially take choices away from people, which leads them to choose crime, terrorism, extremism.  Hence everything we do not only in terms of aid and assistance but especially in terms of investments, creating economic partnerships, establishing economic infrastructure that can create opportunities not only in major cities but throughout the country.  All of this is a process.  It takes time, it doesn’t happen immediately, but it starts with a comprehensive vision of how to tackle the problems – yes, at the security level, but also in a more expansive, comprehensive way.  QUESTION:  You talked about the need to engage with the putschist regimes in the Sahel, including in Niger.  With Mali and Burkina Faso, this country has formed a defensive pact, as you are well aware, the Alliance of Sahel States.  Is this potentially a legitimate regional grouping, or is it too close to Russia?  And more generally, how do you avoid a new fragmentation of Africa that could resemble the Cold War with its blocs?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Obviously, we are very concerned about the developments we have seen in Mali, in Burkina Faso, and more recently in Niger.  There is a timeline for a return to civilian governance for the first two, which is very important to us, and which I believe is crucial for the countries in the region as well.  So, that’s what we want to see.  In Niger – by the way, I was in Niger with President Bazoum before the coup, a month before, a few weeks before, and already it was a positive example of what we could do together to address both security and economic challenges, and others as well.  In this regard, the role of ECOWAS is mainly to try to convince the putschists to return to constitutional order within a very clear and limited timeframe.  I believe that’s essential.  There was a meeting with President Tinubu as the chairman of ECOWAS late last year, precisely to try to establish this process.  And for us, the United States, if Niger returns to the path of constitutional order and democracy, obviously, we are ready to lift sanctions.  We are ready to reinstate the programs we shared against terrorism, for security.  It all depends on the concrete steps the putschists take.  I have some hope that it can move in a better direction, but I don’t see the evolution towards a new order or a new configuration of states.  We have seen something else in Mali, in Burkina Faso.  When they, and others, call on external forces like Wagner, for example, to try to address the security problem, what do we see?  We see that the problems become even more serious, more difficult – violence, extremism, terrorism in the states that have requested the help of Wagner.  It’s increasing, not decreasing.  And obviously, the exploitation of resources, the exploitation of people.  We see that too.  So it’s not the answer, and we know it.  It’s not just because we say it; we know it from experience in these countries.  The answer is a return to constitutional order, to democracy, but also to governments that listen and respond to the needs of the people.    None of this is easy.  The problems, the challenges are very significant.  But we have now seen what happens when we make the other choice, and it doesn’t go well, on the contrary, the situation only worsens, especially for the people in question.  QUESTION:  You are now traveling to Angola at the end of your trip.  The country remains ravaged by corruption.  Why is President Lourenco considered a more acceptable, and above all more reliable partner, compared to his predecessor Dos Santos?  And what is the current state of American relations with, after all, a former Cold War adversary?  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Actually, let me tell you this:  What we see with President Lourenco is someone who is actually fighting against corruption.  And we see that he has followed a very important path that both recognizes corruption as a poison for development and for creating opportunities, and takes very concrete steps to combat it.  At the same time, it is also necessary to create, I think, a more open system in order to truly address corruption.  For example, civil society has a very important role to play.  For that, there needs to be even more space for civil society, for the media, who also have a critical role to play in countering corruption, in shedding light on it, and in combating it.  But we see a very positive development in Angola, especially in this fight against corruption.  And we also have partnerships with Angola, with Zambia, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the very, very important Lobito Corridor infrastructure project which will bring a transportation and digital communication system to the people in these three countries and throughout the African continent, supporting a very important economic revolution.  Something that has been lacking in Africa and that is now emerging is having an internal market which would be as important, if not more important, than the external market.  The fact that African countries historically have more trade and investment with countries outside of Africa than among themselves is a missed opportunity.  Now, with a growing free-trade system in Africa, especially with the necessary infrastructure for it to work, we see a future where economic growth has much more significant possibilities.  And especially the connections we make between countries, with Angola playing a very important role in this corridor, I believe it holds a lot of promises for the future.  Something else with Angola:  President Lourenco has been playing a very important role in trying to manage crises through diplomacy, especially what is happening in eastern Congo and Rwanda, where the process established by Angola is very important to try to find a diplomatic way forward and not through war.  So all this to tell you that he is becoming an increasingly important partner.  President Lourenco came to the White House and met with President Biden last year, and President Biden asked me to follow up.  That’s why we are visiting Angola.  QUESTION:  Very well, thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Tags Africa Africa Leaders Summit African Union Bureau of African Affairs Economic Affairs Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy Nigeria Office of the Spokesperson Official International Travel Secretary Trip The Secretary of State Security

United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords

01/24/2024

United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords 01/24/2024 04:46 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords hide United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords Media Note January 24, 2024 On January 23, the Kingdom of Belgium became the 34th country to sign the Artemis Accords.  In a ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels, Ms. Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions, and Mr. Thomas Dermine, State Secretary for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investments, in charge of Science Policy, Deputy to the Minister of the Economy and Employment signed the Accords on behalf of Belgium. The United States and Belgium are close partners and NATO Allies, and Belgium is a major contributor to NASA-led Artemis missions via its membership in the European Space Agency.  In December 2023, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Michael Adler visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center along with Belgian Astronaut Raphaël Liégeois.  The United States is pleased to see Belgium deepen our close cooperation on space issues through its affirmation of the Artemis Accords’ vision for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.  Jointly led by the Department of State and NASA, the Artemis Accords were established in 2020 with eight countries participating and set out a practical set of principles to guide and foster cooperation through space exploration.  The Kingdom of Belgium joins Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States in affirming the principles of the Accords for peaceful and sustainable civil space activity. For more information, please visit Artemis Accords. For media inquiries, please contact OES-Press@state.gov. Tags Artemis Accords Belgium Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of Science and Technology Cooperation Office of the Spokesperson Science, Technology, and Innovation Space

United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords

01/24/2024

United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords 01/24/2024 04:46 PM EST HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords hide United States Welcomes the Kingdom of Belgium’s Signing of the Artemis Accords Media Note January 24, 2024 On January 23, the Kingdom of Belgium became the 34th country to sign the Artemis Accords.  In a ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels, Ms. Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions, and Mr. Thomas Dermine, State Secretary for Economic Recovery and Strategic Investments, in charge of Science Policy, Deputy to the Minister of the Economy and Employment signed the Accords on behalf of Belgium. The United States and Belgium are close partners and NATO Allies, and Belgium is a major contributor to NASA-led Artemis missions via its membership in the European Space Agency.  In December 2023, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Michael Adler visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center along with Belgian Astronaut Raphaël Liégeois.  The United States is pleased to see Belgium deepen our close cooperation on space issues through its affirmation of the Artemis Accords’ vision for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.  Jointly led by the Department of State and NASA, the Artemis Accords were established in 2020 with eight countries participating and set out a practical set of principles to guide and foster cooperation through space exploration.  The Kingdom of Belgium joins Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States in affirming the principles of the Accords for peaceful and sustainable civil space activity. For more information, please visit Artemis Accords. For media inquiries, please contact OES-Press@state.gov. Tags Artemis Accords Belgium Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs North Atlantic Treaty Organization Office of Science and Technology Cooperation Office of the Spokesperson Science, Technology, and Innovation Space

LGBTQI+ Special Envoy Stern’s Travel to Brazil

01/24/2024

LGBTQI+ Special Envoy Stern’s Travel to Brazil 01/24/2024 07:43 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson From January 25 – 30, Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Jessica Stern will travel to Brazil.  On January 28, SE Stern will speak in Brasília at the first National March for Trans Day of Visibility commemorating twenty years since the government first recognized Trans Day of Visibility.  On January 29, SE Stern will give remarks at the government’s launch of a report on statistics of violence against transgender and nonbinary persons around the world.  While in Brazil, SE Stern will also meet with activists, Brazilian government ministries, and parliamentarians. For further information, please contact DRL-Press@state.gov.

Department Press Briefing – January 24, 2024

01/24/2024

Department Press Briefing – January 24, 2024 01/24/2024 09:11 PM EST HomeDepartment Press Briefing – January 24, 2024 hide Department Press Briefing – January 24, 2024 January 24, 2024 1:16 p.m. EST MR PATEL: Good afternoon, everybody. Happy Wednesday. I don’t have anything off the top, Matt, so — QUESTION: Really? Only Wednesday? MR PATEL: — feel free to kick us off. QUESTION: Okay. Well, I’ll just start off with something that I don’t think you’re going to be able to answer but I’ll ask anyway, because it is a topic of the day. This plane crash in Russia, what’s your understanding of what happened, if you have one? And do you have any way to independently verify or confirm how it went down, what was on it? MR PATEL: I don’t have any independent verification to offer on any of this at this time. I have seen the public reporting, and our hope is that relevant authorities investigate the reporting to establish the facts around what happened, but beyond that I don’t have any other comments to offer or perspective on this. QUESTION: Right. And who – and the relevant authorities in this case are Russian authorities? MR PATEL: Correct. QUESTION: And you’re – okay. So – and you’ll accept what their verdict is? MR PATEL: Matt — QUESTION: Because they seem to have already – I mean, the Russian ministry – Russian authorities already have said what happened. Are you saying that you don’t have any reason to doubt? MR PATEL: No, that’s not at all what I’m saying. I think what I would just say again, to take a step back, is that we don’t have any independent verification to offer on the public reporting that’s been out there and would just encourage both Russian and Ukrainian authorities to undertake their own respective investigations and establish facts, but I don’t have any other comment or perspective to offer at this time on this. QUESTION: Okay. Thanks. MR PATEL: Humeyra. QUESTION: Vedant, I just want to ask about NATO enlargement. So obviously Türkiye’s parliament approved Sweden’s NATO bid yesterday. Now Hungary seems to be the sole holdout. Has there been any outreach from this building or any other building in the administration to the Hungarian Government over the past couple of days, recently on this? What have you told them? Will you ask them to speed it up? MR PATEL: I don’t have any specific engagements to reach out – to read out to you, Humeyra. We of course continue to remain in close touch with our Hungarian Allies, and the Hungarian Government itself has publicly said that it supports Sweden’s accession to NATO. It’s also repeatedly said that Hungary would not be the last to ratify — QUESTION: And here we are. MR PATEL: — Sweden’s NATO accession. And so we look forward to Hungary concluding their ratification process and the Alliance welcoming Sweden into NATO without further delay, and of course we also welcome the steps that the Turkish parliament took earlier this week. We look forward to President Erdogan taking whatever steps he needs to within that system for – to formally finalize that process as well as look – we look forward to receiving Türkiye’s instrument of ratification in Washington. QUESTION: Right. I mean, if they had asked you, would you have recommended Hungary to reconvene the parliament a little bit earlier than mid-February — MR PATEL: This is — QUESTION: — and get it done now? MR PATEL: This is not a U.S. process. Of course, we view the NATO Alliance as critical, but it is not – we are not the only country at the table here. And each respective member of the Alliance needs to work through their respective processes to get this done. We of course welcome the progress that we saw in Türkiye this week, and we look forward to our Hungarian partners also moving along on this process also. QUESTION: Right. And I just note what you say about President Erdogan. Like, he said doing whatever he needs to; it’s basically he needs to sign and it needs to be published in the official gazette — MR PATEL: Correct. QUESTION: — and receiving the instrument of accession. Can I – so is it fair to say that U.S. does not consider this process – Sweden’s NATO ratification by Türkiye – as complete before all of those things happen? MR PATEL: It’s not. And it’s not just about U.S. opinion or not. I mean, just purely the procedural steps that need to take place, it’s not. Now, that being said, again, this is an incredibly welcome step for the Turkish parliament to ratify the accession protocol, and we look forward to receiving Türkiye’s instrument of ratification in Washington once that process is complete on the Turkish end. QUESTION: Right. And my final one on this is, like, once that – once you receive that document, given the administration has openly said that it supports the sale of F-16s to Türkiye, can you commit that the State Department is going to send the formal notification for the F-16s once that process is completed? MR PATEL: I have no timeline to speculate or offer on – to – from here. QUESTION: I’m not asking for timelines. I’m saying, like, once that is complete, can you commit – can the State Department commit to sending the formal notification? MR PATEL: What I will say – what I will say, Humeyra, is that – and this is no surprise to all of you that have been covering the State Department and this issue for some time – President Biden, Secretary Blinken have been very clear of our support for modernizing Türkiye’s F-16 fleet, which we view as a key investment in NATO interoperability. But beyond that, we also recognize that Congress has a key role in reviewing arm sales, but I’m just not going to confirm or get ahead of proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress. QUESTION: Can I follow up on that? MR PATEL: Sure. QUESTION: Thanks so much. MR PATEL: Go ahead. QUESTION: You mentioned the Congress’s role in this arms sale. We are aware that certain congressmembers linked Sweden’s NATO bid with the sale of F-16s to Türkiye. So based on your engagements with congressmembers, now that the Turkish parliament has ratified – ratified Sweden’s NATO bid, do you think that Congress will no longer oppose this sale? MR PATEL: I am not an employee or a member of Congress, so I’m not going to speculate. I — QUESTION: But you know that you are – you have been engaging with the Congress on it. MR PATEL: I would – just on the – just on the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue is a very large white Capitol Building, which I am sure they’d be happy to speak to you about this. Look, all jokes aside, Congress has a key role in reviewing this sale. I am not going to get into or comment on the proposals until those sales have been formally notified. Broadly, though, Congress has an important role to play and we work with them on a variety of issues that are in front of the State Department, and I’m sure they’d be happy to speak to their point of view on this. But again, what I can say from up here on behalf of Secretary Blinken and the State Department is that the steps that the Turkish parliament took this week were welcome ones. We believe that Sweden is a highly capable defense partner, one that we are ready to welcome into the NATO Alliance, and we look forward to Türkiye finalizing this process as well as our Hungarian partners as well and getting – welcoming – formally welcoming Sweden as a member of the Alliance. QUESTION: Just one more on that. QUESTION: One more follow-up on that. QUESTION: Just — MR PATEL: Sure. QUESTION: Thank you. So do you have anything to say on the significance of this ratification of Sweden’s NATO bid by the Turkish parliament in terms of the relations between Türkiye and the U.S.? MR PATEL: Do I have anything to say – what? I’m sorry, can you speak up? QUESTION: On the significance of this ratification by the Turkish parliament in terms of the relations between Türkiye and the U.S. MR PATEL: Türkiye is a key NATO Ally. We believe that Türkiye also views the NATO Alliance as critical, and they have been incredible security partners in the region, not just through the Alliance but outside of that as well, and we look forward to continuing to have a close collaborative relationship with our Turkish partners. As you know, the Secretary has had regular conversations with Foreign Minister Fidan and had the opportunity to meet with President Erdogan a number of times, and we look forward to continuing to work with Türkiye in a number of key areas. And as I said, this step that the Turkish parliament took was a welcome one, and we’re eager and looking forward to this process continuing. QUESTION: Can I follow up on that? MR PATEL: Sure. QUESTION: Thank you. Do you expect the Congress to impose any conditions on this prospect sales of F-16s? And does the administration support include the sale being unconditional? MR PATEL: I’m starting to sound like a little bit of a broken record here, but again, I am just not going to comment on proposals or proposed defense sales or transfers until they’ve been formally notified to Congress. I will reiterate again that Congress has a key role to play in these sales, and that, yes, certain members of Congress have publicly said that Türkiye’s approval of Sweden’s application to join NATO is of key interest to them. But beyond that, I would refer you to Congress to speak to more of their point of view. QUESTION: Does the administration support this sale being unconditional? MR PATEL: This – what this is about – and you heard me just talk about this – President Biden, Secretary Blinken view this, the investment, the modernization in Türkiye’s – of Türkiye’s F-16 fleet, it is about NATO interoperability, which we believe is critically important to the strength of the Alliance as well as strengthening our security overall. QUESTION: Can you – can you mention about any time limitations, like will Türkiye receive in one years, two years, five years? MR PATEL: I have – I have no timeline to offer or speculate on from here. Anything else on this before we move away to different topics? I’ll come – I’ll make sure to get to you, Said. Don’t worry. Janne, go ahead. QUESTION: Thank you, Vedant. I have a couple of questions. North Korea launched several cruise missiles into the west coast yesterday. Do you think is North Korea’s intention behind its series of missile provocations? MR PATEL: I’m not going to get into North Korea’s intentions, but to take a step back, Janne, we again call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocative, destabilizing actions and return to diplomacy. It’s important to remember that the United States, we have been incredibly clear about the fact that we harbor no hostile intent towards the DPRK and continue to be open to diplomacy without preconditions. This is also an avenue for us to continue to consult closely with the Republic of Korea, with Japan, and other allies and partners about how to best engage the DPRK, how to deter some of their aggressive and destabilizing behaviors. And I would also just point you back to the Camp David trilateral summit that President Biden hosted in the summer as another important step that we’re taking to defer – to foster closer collaboration with relevant and likeminded partners in the region. QUESTION: State Department has always said that – I mean U.S. always said that it is open to dialogue with North Korea, but Kim Jong-un blocked all dialogue channel between South Korea and North Korea. If U.S. were to talk with North Korea, what specific dialogue would be possible? MR PATEL: Our goal here, Janne, has remained the same over the course of this administration. We are eager to engage in substantive discussions on identifying ways to not just manage military risk but create lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, as well as our continued stated goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. And I’ll say again we remain open to engagement on these issues with the DPRK without preconditions. QUESTION: Any dialogue is possible, right? Or — MR PATEL: You just heard me say that we’re open to dialogue without preconditions. QUESTION: All right. MR PATEL: Nike, go ahead. QUESTION: Yeah. Can I please follow up? MR PATEL: Sure. QUESTION: Does the United States assess the recent moves and rhetorics from North Korea leader Kim has anything to do with the elections? Meaning there are election – legislative elections in South Korea this year, and there are – there is a presidential election in the United States. And then can you also comment on the demolishment of a significant – a major monument that was torn down? MR PATEL: I’m not going to speculate on theory of the case here, Nike. What I can say is that we find these kinds of activities destabilizing. We find them risky. We find them incredibly dangerous and again call on the DPRK to return to diplomacy, and we stand ready to engage with them on a number of key issues and simultaneously will continue to collaborate closely with the ROK and Japan on ways that we can deter the DPRK and strengthen our alliance in the region as well. Said, go ahead. QUESTION: Thank you. Switching gears to the Palestinian issue. MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: First of all, do you have anything – any update on the Palestinian American killed by the Israelis on – a couple days ago? MR PATEL: I have a slight update, Said. We continue to remain in close touch with the Government of Israel to understand the circumstances of his death. It’s been communicated to us that the investigation will be led by the Israeli National Police, and we expect a thorough and expeditious investigation and we are eager to see the result of what this investigation will find. Beyond that, we continue to remain in close touch with the family to offer all appropriate consular assistance both through the embassy in Jerusalem as well as the Office of Palestinian Affairs. QUESTION: Will there be an investigation by the American security coordinator? MR PATEL: I don’t have any updates to offer on that. QUESTION: All right. A couple of things. Do you have any update on the negotiations that are ongoing either in Egypt or elsewhere to release the hostages and the prisoners? MR PATEL: Our hope and our call is for hostages to be released immediately. That’s been our call since October 7th. Hamas could make this easier for everybody and release hostages as soon as possible. QUESTION: So has there been any progress in Brett McGurk’s effort, as far as you know? MR PATEL: I’m sure the White House would be happy to speak at greater length to Brett’s travels, but I don’t have any updates to offer from here beyond just reiterating – and you’ve heard the Secretary talk about this quite regularly – that we believe the hostages should be released immediately. We continue to work closely with partners in the Israeli Government to do what we can and to help assist in that effort. As you know, a number of American citizens continue to be unaccounted for since October 7th, and so we’ll continue to work tirelessly. There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens. QUESTION: Do you believe there is any other way other than direct negotiations or third way negotiations between Hamas and Israel to release those hostages and the prisoners? MR PATEL: The easiest way would be for Hamas to simply just release those hostages and prisoners. QUESTION: I understand. I’m just saying that the Israelis said all along that they want to do this – they want to free them by force. Do you think that this is still feasible? MR PATEL: Do I think what is still feasible? QUESTION: Do you think that the Israeli army can free those hostages forcibly, as they have said to begin with? MR PATEL: Said, these discussions and conversations are ongoing, and we continue to believe that we’ll work around the clock in close coordination with the Israelis to do what we can to help this line of work. QUESTION: A couple more, if you’ll indulge me. There are – about half a million Gazans are suffering from acute hunger. Do you have anything on that? I mean, it seems that one out of four trucks is allowed to go in after a very tedious kind of inspection and so on. MR PATEL: Said, we have underscored the urgency of the dire need for humanitarian aid and other supplies to be allowed into Gaza and to be distributed throughout the Gaza Strip. While certainly immense work has been undertaken, especially by the United States, to enhance and increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, we know that this is not enough and more needs to be done, and we’ll continue to work with the Government of Israel and other relevant partners to do so. The Secretary reiterated this on his travels to the region not too long ago in Jordan, where he met with the UN World Food Programme to talk about these very key issues, and we’ll continue to push for much more humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza, including what we believe to be lifesaving food products also. QUESTION: So you believe that there are enough steps that are being taken to prevent a looming famine? MR PATEL: That is not – that’s not what I said, Said. What I said is – was I was very clear that the steps that have been taken have not been enough. We want to see more aid, more food, more lifesaving supplies to be allowed to enter Gaza. QUESTION: And finally, I asked you on the artifacts on Monday — MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: — that the Israeli soldiers stole from the Israa University before blowing it up. It seems that they are showing it in warehouses and so on. Do you have any comment on that? There – should there be some sort of a commission that can ensure the retrieval of those artifacts stolen by these — MR PATEL: On the specific report that you mentioned the other day, Said, we still have not been able to verify those specific reports. But to take a step back and to just address the issue of artifacts broadly, not in the context of this specific situation, our view is that cultural artifacts in Gaza should remain in Gaza. But again, the report that you noted, I don’t have any U.S. Government verification to offer on that. QUESTION: (Off-mike.) MR PATEL: Go ahead in the back. QUESTION: Robert Moore with ITV News. MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: You may have had the chance to see some of the footage shot by our cameraman in the Gaza Strip widely shared online, showing a group of men waving a white flag, representing no threat whatsoever, unarmed, and moving south to try and reach some relatives. The IDF opened fire, as you can see on that video, and killed one of them, Abu Sahloul. I wonder what your response to that is, and whether you think from watching that video, whether that potentially represents a war crime. MR PATEL: I have seen that footage, but I am not going to comment on the specifics around that given I am not aware of the full circumstances on the ground. And as we’ve said before, this is not an American operation. But beyond that — QUESTION: That’s true, but nevertheless — MR PATEL: Beyond that – please don’t – I’m happy to take your questions, if you’ll allow me – if you allow me to answer. I don’t interrupt you, and I ask you to not do the same. As a general matter, though, we have not parsed our words about the moral and strategic imperative that the Government of Israel and the Israeli security forces have to take every effort possible to minimize civilian casualties and minimize impact on civilians. As it relates to the footage that your organization has shared, again, I’m just going to refrain from commenting on specific operations as we do not have full circumstances of what – on the ground from here. This isn’t an American operation. I’m not on the ground there to speak to the full parameters of the situation. QUESTION: It’s not – it’s not — MR PATEL: But again, any civilian death – any civilian death is heartbreaking, and any civilian life lost is one too many. And we have made that clear with the Israelis, and we’ll continue to do so. QUESTION: Beyond that comment about it being heartbreaking, which is a platitude we often hear, are you – would you urge – given that you support, broadly support the IDF operations in the Gaza Strip, would you support an Israeli investigation of what happened in that video? MR PATEL: That is for — QUESTION: Given that they’re waving a white flag and they represented no threat? MR PATEL: That is for the IDF to undertake and determine based on the circumstances of that situation. What I will say is that we have been clear to our Israeli partners that they need to take every possible measure to avoid civilian harm during an operation and investigate credible allegations of law or of war violations when they arise. But that is for our Israeli partners and the IDF to speak to. QUESTION: Just on this, Vedant. MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: You said that we don’t have the full facts or something like that in a minute. Like, did you – did you actually reach out specifically to Israel about this footage and try to get whatever the facts that you guys are seeking? MR PATEL: This footage just arised earlier this morning, so I don’t have any specifics of our diplomatic conversations around this to speak to. QUESTION: All right, well, how about the footage that arose last week, and the week before, and the week before, and the week before, and the week before, where there have been if not similar, awfully close instances? Have you ever gotten an explanation from the Israelis? MR PATEL: I — QUESTION: Have you ever gotten a finding from the Israelis of what their investigation, if they promised one — MR PATEL: I’m not going to speak to private diplomatic conversations, Matt. But this is something that we raise continuously with the Israelis. The Secretary has done so, other officials in our government have done so, and we’ll continue to do it. QUESTION: Okay. Well, have you ever gotten an answer from the Israelis when you ask questions? MR PATEL: I am just not going to – I’m not going to speak to the privacy of certain diplomatic conversations, Matt. But we have been clear that there is a moral and strategic imperative to take as many steps as possible to minimize civilian casualties. QUESTION: Well, that’s all well – that’s fine. That’s fine that you say that, but then when you are asked specific questions like this relating to specific footage – and this is not the first time that this has happened; you’ve been asked repeatedly about this, and then you – you come back and say, “Well, we’ve raised questions; we’ve asked the Israelis questions.” Have you ever gotten a response to any of those? MR PATEL: We – these conversations are — QUESTION: I am not asking you for the details; I just want to know if you’ve gotten a response. MR PATEL: We have. These conversations are private. QUESTION: You have. MR PATEL: We have raised with the Israelis specific circumstances, and we have received — QUESTION: And you have gotten answers? MR PATEL: Correct. I am not going to speak to those conversations right now. QUESTION: And – but you can’t just say – in any case are you aware that the Israelis say, “We screwed up here”? MR PATEL: I am just not going to speak to the private conversations, Matt. QUESTION: And on this one. MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: Just to close this, since you – it sounds like you haven’t had a chance to ask about this one, are you planning to ask about this particular instance, or no? MR PATEL: I am just not going to speak to specific diplomatic conversations. What I will just reiterate, Humeyra, is that we talk to our Israeli counterparts all the time, regularly, from various interlocutors across our government, and we’ll continue to do so. And front and center, part of those engagements will continue to be the moral and strategic imperative that our Israeli partners have to minimize the impact on civilians. Leon. QUESTION: Yeah, Vedant, just on the same line of questioning — MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: — do you have any comment, reaction to the UNRWA saying that a UN shelter was shelled by tanks in Khan Younis today, killing nine people? They say what is UN shelter – they’re calling it a blatant violation of the rules of war. Would you agree? MR PATEL: It’s incredibly concerning – incredibly concerning, Leon, and we deplore today’s attack on the UN’s Khan Younis training center. You’ve heard me say it before, you’ve heard the Secretary say it before, but civilians must be protected, and the protected nature of UN facilities must be respected. And humanitarian workers must be protected so that they can continue providing civilians with the lifesaving humanitarian assistance that they need. QUESTION: So – and so have you asked the Israelis to look into this? MR PATEL: We – I’m not – Matt, I am not going to read out every single conversation that we have with the Israelis or read out every issue that happens — QUESTION: I don’t think that you even have to have every single – I don’t think you’re asked – being asked about every single conversation you’ve had. MR PATEL: — or every issue that happens in the region — QUESTION: Look, you’ve been – like twice here in the last three minutes, you’ve been asked about two specific incidents. Have you raised either one? MR PATEL: We continue to raise with the – our Israeli partners the need and the responsibility that they have to protect UN facilities and to protect humanitarian workers so that they can continue to carry out and conduct the lifesaving work that they’re doing in the region. QUESTION: Right. I think you need to go back to NEA or whoever is in charge of this and get a definitive answer about whether you’re asking about specific incidents — MR PATEL: We are asking — QUESTION: Yeah? Well, then — MR PATEL: We are asking and engaging about specific incidents, Matt. I am not going to specifically read them out to you from up here. QUESTION: Okay, well then, when the Israelis respond to you, if they respond to you, you need to come back and tell us what they say. And if they don’t respond to you, which it sounds like you’re – may very well be the case, you should say that. MR PATEL: Matt, certain conversations, diplomatic conversations – sensitive, tough diplomatic conversations – are best kept private. I assure you, though, we are raising these issues directly with Israeli counterparts and will continue to do so. QUESTION: Well, Vedant, assurances mean a whole hell of a lot if you’re not able to say that you’ve gotten any response to them. I mean, you are the biggest supporter of the Israeli Government – not you personally, but the United States is. MR PATEL: And — QUESTION: If you can’t – if you ask questions about troubling incidents, which you said – just said that this one is Khan Younis was incredibly concerning and we deplore the attack – if you can’t get an answer from them on this, what does that say about where – what the — U.S. position? MR PATEL: Matt, we’ll intend to – continue to have these conversations with the Israeli Government and raise these very tough and difficult situations. Diyar, go ahead. QUESTION: Thank you, Vedant. Today the Iraqi foreign minister, in a post, said that we received a very important letter from the U.S. Government and we will discuss that very important letter. I understand that you are not going to talk about the details of that letter, but in general, what correspondence, what message do you have for the Iraqi Government about these militia groups that are attacking you every day and also you are attacking them? MR PATEL: So we continue to remain in close touch with the Iraqi Government and have been very clear that these Iran-aligned militia groups that continue to put not just coalition forces but also Iraqi forces in harm’s way need to be held account. And the United States will take appropriate action to do so. As you’re so tracking, Diyar, on Tuesday night, U.S. military forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by KH and other Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq. These strikes are a direct response to a series of escalatory attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. QUESTION: And I’m not sure if you saw the Iraqi Government statement on that. What they say – they condemned your attack and they say this attack has determined the security and stability in Iraq and it’s an aggressive act. So if you are there on the Iraqi invitation, so why you don’t have any coordination and cooperation with the Iraqi Government to face these groups in a way that the Iraqi Government tells you this is unacceptable and this undermines the cooperation and coordination between us and the United States? MR PATEL: Let me say a couple things here. First, U.S. military forces remain in Iraq, and we’re there working alongside Iraqi military forces. We are there at the invitation of the Iraqi Government in order to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. I will also note that there is absolutely no equivalence between the steps that the United States has taken to protect Iraqi and coalition personnel between the strikes that Iranian-aligned militia groups are undertaking in Iraq. Again, we are defending ourselves, defending our personnel, and Iranian-aligned militia groups are targeting civilians. QUESTION: Are you violating the Iraqi sovereignty, which they are saying that? The Iraqi Government says that. MR PATEL: Again, I will just say we are in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi military, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate steps to protect our personnel, as well as the personnel of Iraqi military forces as well. QUESTION: Thank you. On Syria? QUESTION: Nigeria? MR PATEL: Yeah, Alex, go ahead. I’ll work through them. Don’t worry. QUESTION: Thank you. MR PATEL: Go ahead. QUESTION: I have a couple. Please bear with me. Staying on Iran, Iran yesterday killed another protestor, Mohammad Ghobadlou. Will Iran face any reaction – accountability? MR PATEL: We condemn again the Iranian regime’s use of the death penalty to punish people for what we believe to be just exercising their human rights. There have been, Alex, widespread reports of torture, forced confessions, and restrictions on legal counsel. All of this, we believe, undermine any shred of credibility in the decisions handed down by Iranian courts. The U.S. will continue to take actions to support the people of Iran in practical ways, both seen and unseen, in close coordination with our allies and partners in the region as well. QUESTION: You still haven’t sanctioned Iran’s supreme leader for gross human rights violations. You had Magnitsky sanctions last month. Was it a missed opportunity? MR PATEL: Alex, I’m just not going to preview any actions from up here, and I will just note that when it comes to holding the Iranian regime accountable for its malign activities, including its repression of its own people, we will not hesitate to take action. We have a pretty clear track record of doing so. QUESTION: Thank you. And in New York, Russia and Iranian foreign ministers met, and they called for a ceasefire in Gaza. What do you make of the fact that Iran (inaudible), but Russia keeps murdering Ukrainian civilians even as we speak, calls for ceasefire in the Middle East? MR PATEL: As it relates to Israel’s ongoing efforts in Gaza, a ceasefire is not a policy that we’re pursuing. It’s not the first time you’ve heard me say this. We continue to believe that it is critically important that steps be taken to degrade Hamas so that tragedies like October 7th cannot be repeated over and over again. Guita, go ahead. QUESTION: Do you have a – did you have — MR PATEL: Yeah, I’ll come back to you, Alex. I’ll work the room. QUESTION: Okay, thank you so much. MR PATEL: Guita, you’ve had your hand up. Go ahead. QUESTION: Thanks, Vedant. Yes, thank you. The Iranian president has been disqualified for taking part in the elections for the Assembly of Experts. I was wondering if the U.S. – if the administration or the State Department has any opinion on that? Do you see a crack in the system? MR PATEL: Well, on the Assembly of Experts decision, I really don’t have any specific comment to offer, Guita. But to be clear, the world has recognized for some time now that Iran’s political system features undemocratic and nontransparent administrative, judicial, and even electoral systems. We also have no expectation that Iran’s upcoming parliamentary elections will be free and fair. Thousands of parliamentary candidates were already disqualified in November through what we believe to be an opaque process. And simply, this is the same kind of things that we can expect from an – from an undemocratic regime that suppresses its own people to retain its own grip on power. QUESTION: Now on the foreign minister of the same — MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: — government that you’re talking about, the administration gave him a visa. He came to New York. He blasted the U.S. on the same day that they executed two people. I was wondering if – at the same time, it seems like the U.S. is in a proxy war with Iran through the Houthis and the Iraq – and those groups in Iraq. How much longer is the Biden administration going to allow Iranian diplomats to come to the United States? MR PATEL: Let me unpack that in a couple ways. First and foremost, as it relates to the other things going on around the world, the United States is certainly not interested in seeing any kind of escalation. And the steps that we’ve taken, whether it be in the Red Sea or in other parts, have been about deterrence, defense, and degradation, and ensuring that malign groups are held accountable. But coming back to the UN, Guita, let me just be very clear about something: Iran is an adversary. It is the world’s largest exporter of terrorism. It has a clear and potent track record of destabilizing behavior not just in the Middle East but elsewhere. It is a serial human rights violator. And nothing has changed about our approach to Iran. And when it comes to Iranian diplomats and the foreign minister’s presence at the UN, while specific visa records are confidential, we take our responsibility as the host of the United Nations and our obligations under the UN Headquarters Agreement, we take those things very seriously. And so while we may not love hosting Iranian diplomats on American soil, it is a responsibility that we believe to be consistent with the obligations that we have as the host country with the United Nations. But broadly our approach to the Iranian regime and the steps that we will take to hold them accountable – both unilaterally but also in close coordination with allies and partners – has not changed. QUESTION: But there is precedence that visa was not issued to an Iranian diplomat, foreign minister basically, and at that time the relations – the situation was not this bad. The two countries were not at each other’s throats. So when the situation is so much worse right now, how can you issue visas even given your obligations to the UN? MR PATEL: It is because of that obligation, and we take that obligation very seriously. I’m not going to speak to specific circumstances or specific diplomats as visa records are indeed confidential, Guita, but this is a responsibility we take seriously. And simultaneously, we continue to view Iran as an adversary, and we’ll continue to take steps to hold them accountable. Yeah. QUESTION: They’re confidential until the guy actually shows up on U.S. soil, right? Are you going to say that you denied him a visa and he just showed up illegally? MR PATEL: I think it’s fair to assume, Matt. QUESTION: Exactly. MR PATEL: Go ahead. QUESTION: Yeah, Vedant. MR PATEL: Yeah. QUESTION: Yesterday the U.S. President was interrupted around eight times in a speech by protesters calling for a ceasefire. This is happening at home. Does this concern you about how the U.S. is viewed in the region, in the Middle East? And does this also – how do you think this would affect the U.S. leverage in the region, in the Middle East? MR PATEL: The Secretary, as you know, is on travel on the African continent now. He earlier in the month was on travel in the Middle East region. Since the October 7th attacks, he has visited the region four times. And on every trip what the Secretary and the traveling team hears consistently from countries around the region, some of whom may have different points of view on specific policies that we are pursuing or have different points of view on specific pieces of this conflict, have talked about how important American diplomacy has in – has been and the indispensability of the role that American diplomacy has played. I will remind you that it was American diplomacy that allowed humanitarian aid to be able to flow into Gaza. It’s been American diplomacy that has allowed for the safe departure of more than 1,400 American citizens, legal permanent residents, and eligible family members. And over the course of this process, we will continue to engage not just with the Government of Egypt and the Government of Israel, but other regional partners, including the Kingdom of Jordan and others, on this very important issue. But what we’re hearing on the ground is that leaders want to see the Americans and this building, our government, engage more, not less. QUESTION: Sorry, one more question, please. MR PATEL: Sure. QUESTION: It has been your assessment that Hizballah doesn’t want a wider war on the northern border, but do you think that the Iranian, given what’s happening in the Red Sea and on the Lebanese front, do you think that the current – they want the current situation, they don’t want to go back to October 6? I mean – I mean war on a small scale. MR PATEL: I couldn’t possibly speculate what the — QUESTION: Assessment. MR PATEL: — Iranian regime wants or doesn’t want, but what I can say if we just sort of take some of these – take some of these actions – the actions that they’re taking or the actions that Iran-aligned militia groups are taking are contributing to greater instability and risk in the region. Let’s take the example of the Red Sea. This is a vital waterway which has 15 percent of all seaborne trade flowing through those waters, 30 percent of all container shipping flowing through those waters. When international vessels performing legitimate commerce flowing through those waters are put under risk, are put under – put under danger, firing on those vessels does nothing to help Palestinian civilians. It does nothing to create better stability, better integration in the region. In fact, it does the opposite. We’re putting a further burden on international commerce, making things pricier, making goods more difficult to get to their final destinations. Doc, go ahead. Yeah. QUESTION: Thank you, Vedant. On Nigeria, given that Christians represent 46 percent of Nigeria’s population, what steps has Secretary Blinken taken this week while in Nigeria to demand Christian persecution in Nigeria stop in exchange for aid, since more than 52,000 Christians have been butchered for being Christian since 2009 and over 100 Nigerian Christians were slaughtered in December of last year? This is according to a recent Fox News report. And why the silence on this? MR PATEL: So we’ll — QUESTION: And a follow-up. MR PATEL: We continue to carefully monitor the religious freedom situation in every country, including, of course, Nigeria, and a key component of our diplomacy is engaging not just with government entities but also outside groups, humanitarian organizations, and civic society leaders, and we’ll continue to do so. QUESTION: Well, a follow-up is: What are Secretary Blinken’s reasons for not placing Nigeria on the Countries of Particular Concern, that CPC list? MR PATEL: The assessment was made that the country did not meet the threshold for designation, but Doc, I’m happy to check if we’ve got more specifics — QUESTION: Thank you. MR PATEL: — and get back to you. Go ahead. QUESTION: Today is International Day of Education, and nowadays in Afghanistan more than a million girls and women are banned from school and university by Taliban, just – I wanted to note – who are watching this press briefing, and I wanted to know what you have to say to them at this specific day? MR PATEL: What I will say is that the U.S. will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that – and hold to account the Taliban for the very egregious human rights violations that we continue to see taking place, and that’s something that we’ll continue to work in close coordination for. A number of officials in our department are deeply engaged on this issue, in addition to the Secretary, including our envoy – one of our envoys for this issue, Rina Amiri. Go ahead. Yeah. QUESTION: Yes, thank you, sir. Sir, Financial Times reports that U.S. is asking China to urge Iran to rein in Houthis, stop attacks on shipping in Red Sea. Do you have any other details about this conversation with China? MR PATEL: I don’t have any specific diplomatic engagements to offer. But it is in the interest of any major economy – including, of course, the PRC – to make sure that these waterways are a place for responsible, safe, and legitimate international commerce to take place. You just heard me say to one of your colleagues these are vital waterways where 30 percent of container shipping happens, 15 percent of seaborne trade. It is in the interest of any country to make sure that these waterways are safe so that goods that are getting to places around the world – sometimes, often, to places with vulnerable populations – can get these products. QUESTION: The OIC, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, expressed concerns about the construction and inauguration of the temple at the site of razed Babri Mosque in India. Many other countries also raising their concerns, terming it a violation of religious freedom. Do you have any comment on that? MR PATEL: Look, we strongly support freedom of expression and the freedom of religion or belief for all. We also are continuing to monitor the religious freedom situation in countries around the world. QUESTION: Sir, after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and failed assassination attempt on Pannun, Mr. Pannun here in U.S., the Sikhs for Justice are holding Khalistan referendum here in the U.S. The voting is to be held on January 28th in San Francisco. I remember you told us that it’s a matter of free speech, but what is your position on the official Khalistan referendum here in the U.S.? MR PATEL: We’re just not going to comment on what is an unofficial referendum. But let me just say our relationship with India is an important strategic and consequential partnership, and we’re looking forward to working with India in a number of key, important issues going forward. Go ahead. QUESTION: Excuse me. I have two questions related to Egypt. Like today the Egyptian President Mr. El-Sisi, like, he said – officially he sweared in, like, in conference that Egypt is not principal for preventing aid to get from Rafah to Gaza. And Israel, in international court, like they blamed Egypt that – or like implicitly that they are not responsible for – or like they are not preventing any aid coming from Rafah to Gaza. So what is your, like, perspective as a country, as USA, in this disagreement? Like who is responsible for letting the aid – like not just 200 trucks, like appropriate number of trucks for aid, humanitarian aid – to get in Gaza? Is it Egypt or is it Israel? Both are blaming each other now officially about who is responsible for preventing this aid. And you as a country keep saying that you are – care about humanitarian, you need like more aid coming in, and stuff like that. But both are blaming each other and both are ally with USA. So who’s responsible about this aid? The second thing, officially Egypt as well like warned or urged Israel to not occupy the Philadelphi access, while the Israeli perspective is to occupy the Philadelphi access, which is like the border between Gaza and Rafah. And U.S. perspective, what do you think is better for solving this conflict? Is it like Israel occupying the Philadelphi access — MR PATEL: Okay. I think I got your question. Yeah. QUESTION: — or like no, like stay away of this — MR PATEL: I’m going to jump in, because I understand what you’re asking and want to make sure to get to other people. QUESTION: Because there are two questions. MR PATEL: I know. I heard the two questions. First, let me just say this. It’s important to remember Rafah border crossing is not American border crossing. It’s not a crossing which we control. That being said, both the Government of Egypt and the Government of Israel are important and key partners and conduits for not just the entrance of humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza but also for the safe mobility and departure of American citizens and other nationals who may be interested in departing Gaza. And we’ll continue to work closely with both countries on both of those pieces. Separately, on your next question, I think the Secretary was quite clear in the principles and outlines he laid out in Tokyo in the fall, which is that we do not want to see any reduction in Gazan territory and we certainly don’t want to see any reoccupation of Gaza from Israel either. We believe that these are two pieces that would be – run counter to what we hope to see for the region and take us further away from greater peace and stability. QUESTION: Yeah. So you are blaming Israel that they are not letting the, like, humanitarian aid to move quickly — MR PATEL: That’s not what I said. That’s not what I said. QUESTION: Okay. So I — MR PATEL: I — QUESTION: Okay. So how we solve this problem of letting the appropriate – appropriate humanitarian aid to get in Gaza? Like, two of your allies are blaming each other. Like — MR PATEL: This is something that we are continuing to work around the clock in close coordination with the Government of Israel and the Government of Egypt. I will also just note for you that on January 23rd, 185 trucks with food, medicine, and other supply — QUESTION: That’s not enough. MR PATEL: I’m not saying it’s enough. What I’m saying is that 185 trucks with food, medicine, and other supplies entered Gaza. And we’re going to continue to work with the Government of Israel and the Government of Egypt on this very key and important issue. QUESTION: Yeah, yeah, but you are aware that — MR PATEL: I’m going to move on. I have given you two questions. I’m going to go to some of your — QUESTION: Okay, let’s — MR PATEL: I’m going to move. Go ahead, sir. QUESTION: I wanted to go back for – to North Korea, specifically the missiles that they’re transferring to Russia. I the joint statements from a couple of weeks ago, you said that “Russia’s use of DPRK ballistic missiles in Ukraine… provides valuable technical and military insights the DPRK.” So can you say anything about what you’ve learned about it and about the effectiveness and the effect that these missiles have had on the ground? MR PATEL: Let me say a couple of things. First, deepening cooperation and the unlawful arms transfer between Russia and the DPRK is something that should be of great concern to anyone interested in maintaining peace and stability across Europe as well as the Korean Peninsula. We also believe that it is important to anybody who is interested in upholding the global non-proliferation regime and supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom. But it is also something that we are paying close attention to and will continue to watch for in terms of developments. It’s clear that the Russian Federation, Mr. Putin, stands ready to benefit from the relations with the DPRK, as they are not only getting ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine but also artillery shells. So this is something we’re watching very closely, and we’re also monitoring North Korea’s own pursuit of advanced military capabilities as well. QUESTION: And have you — QUESTION: (Off-mike.) QUESTION: Have you heard any indications that North Korea has got – received something from Russia for these missiles? MR PATEL: I don’t have any updates to offer. Nike, then Alex, and we’re going to wrap. Go ahead. QUESTION: Yeah. Do you have any update on the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has also been granted U.S. consular visits yet? MR PATEL: We are following closely the detention of Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia. We remain incredibly concerned about the extension of her pretrial detention. I will – can also note that our request to visit her was denied on December 20th. The U.S. embassy in Moscow continues to seek appropriate consular access. But as we have said before, when it comes to dual nationals who may be detained or arrested, Russia has no legal obligation to inform us of the detention of U.S. citizens who are dual nationals. Russia has acknowledged her detention to us, to consular officials. But again, our request for consular access continues to be denied. QUESTION: Thursday marks 100 days since she has been detained. Is the State Department closer to designate her case as wrongfully detained? MR PATEL: I have no updates to offer on any specific designation, but we have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. Alex, go ahead. QUESTION: Very quickly on that one, then I have another follow-up on Russia. On December 20th, on what grounds did they deny them? Did they give an explanation, when they denied you and — MR PATEL: I don’t have any additional specifics to offer. QUESTION: And there’s reason why the U.S. has Levinson Act to impose against this such behavior. Will you take any sanctions against Russia if they keep denying your consular request? MR PATEL: I’m not going to preview or speculate any actions from up here. QUESTION: Okay, and another question on Russia. Does the department take any issue with the fact that Apple company just paid $13 million to Russian state budget – the very budget that is being used in Ukraine to murder and terrorize Ukrainians? MR PATEL: I don’t. That’s something that you would have to speak to the company about. Okay, thanks, everybody. QUESTION: But just as a grim reminder – just a quick follow-up – grim reminder to why activists believe that the State Department should impose certain business advisory on Russia, because an American company has — MR PATEL: Alex, we have not hesitated – since Russia’s unjust invasion, we have not hesitated to use the various arsenals that exist in the U.S. Government to hold the Russian Federation at account. That includes through sanctions, export controls, and other steps, and I’m certainly not going to preview anything else from up here. All right. Thanks, everybody. QUESTION: Thank you. (The briefing was concluded at 2:09 p.m.) Tags Afghanistan China Egypt India Iran Iraq Israel Nigeria North Korea Office of the Spokesperson Palestinian Territories Russia Sweden Syria Turkey

U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Executive Steering Committee of the 21st Century Border Management Process

01/24/2024

U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Executive Steering Committee of the 21st Century Border Management Process 01/24/2024 09:38 PM EST Office of the Spokesperson High-level representatives from the governments of the United States and Mexico met in Washington, D.C., on January 24, for the 15th plenary meeting of the 21st Century Border Management Executive Steering Committee (ESC) to continue bilateral collaboration on key issues affecting our shared border.  Discussions focused on key bilateral issues, such as facilitating the legal flow of goods and people, modernizing our border infrastructure, promoting public safety, and combatting transnational crime. Department of State Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Blas Nuñez-Neto led the U.S. delegation to the ESC, alongside National Security Council Senior Director for Transborder Affairs Monte Hawkins.  Mexican Ambassador to the United States Esteban Moctezuma Barragán led the Mexican delegation along with Roberto Velasco, Chief Officer for North America of the Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE), who joined the meeting virtually. The ESC applauded major binational border achievements during 2023, which included progress on priority border infrastructure modernization projects and joint border security operations.  The ESC also adopted 2024 action plans to guide bilateral border-related efforts. The ESC meeting reaffirmed our shared commitment to accelerating bilateral trade, reducing trade costs, and continuing our multi-year joint U.S.-Mexican border infrastructure modernization implementation efforts.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press

01/25/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 01/25/2024 05:28 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Luanda, Angola Luanda Science Center SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s a particular pleasure to be here in Angola’s brand-new science museum, to get a chance to see the museum.  I can just see the generations of young Angolans who will come here to be inspired, to have their eyes opened, maybe choose careers in science, and to add to the incredible storehouse of human knowledge.  It’s a wonderful facility, but it’s also, I think, symbolic of two areas of collaboration between the United States and Angola that I’m very excited about and that we’re really pursuing and digging into. One is the fact that Artemis is now the third – excuse me, Angola is now the third African country to join the Artemis Accords for the peaceful use of space.  And you can see the extraordinary potential, some of which is already happening through existing NASA collaborations but will only be strengthened by Angola as part of Artemis, in terms of addressing some of the most acute needs here in Angola, including mitigating droughts, including irrigating soil and crops, and working on the effective use and management of water.  So much can be done from space using geospatial data, and the collaboration that we will now have between the United States and Angola is only going to strengthen those efforts and that partnership. Second, and relatedly, I’m very pleased that Angola is joining as an early partner in our VACS initiative, Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils.  The power here is this:  As we’ve been dealing with the kind of food insecurity over the last few years and we’ve seen an almost perfect storm between climate change, COVID, conflicts like the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the impact they’ve had on food security, one of the things that I’ve heard again and again, particularly in Africa, is that for all of the thanks that we get for the emergency assistance that we’ve been able to provide – either directly or through the United Nations, like the World Food Programme – what our partners are really for are investments in their own sustainable productive capacity.  And at the heart of that is making sure that they have the strongest possible system for producing food.  And one of the things that we’ve understood is that it really starts with two very basic things: the seeds and the soil. Here in Africa, and here in Angola, when we look at some of the traditional seeds that Africans have relied on – and here maybe it’s cassava, maybe it’s millet, maybe it’s sorghum, incredibly nutritious and that can now be made even more resistant to the ravages of climate change, to the cycles of droughts and floods and other abnormal weather events – when you have high-quality seeds and then you put them into high-quality soil, and we now have the ability to map soil anywhere in the world and understand where it’s strong and healthy, where it’s not and how to remediate that – you put those two things together and you have a much stronger, sustainable, resilient, and nutritious agricultural base.  And then we get to the point where Africa is feeding itself and, indeed, probably feeding other parts of the world. That’s the vision behind VACS, and that’s the partnership that we’re now building with Angola as one of our early partners in VACS.  So this seemed like a fitting place to emphasize that collaboration – both new heights in space, but also right here on Earth – and to demonstrate how these two things are connected.  So I’m excited to be able to be here at the museum to think about, again, generations of Angolans who will come here, have their eyes opened to science, to exploration, to using human ingenuity to solve problems. And finally, fundamentally, at the heart of all of our partnerships, including the partnership with Angola, is sharing and transferring knowledge.  Because, as important as assistance is, as important as investment is, it’s that transfer of knowledge – the sharing of knowledge, the sharing of understanding – that genuinely builds capacity in our partner countries and allows them to stand strongly on their own feet. Thanks very much.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press

01/25/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press 01/25/2024 05:28 AM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Luanda, Angola Luanda Science Center SECRETARY BLINKEN:  It’s a particular pleasure to be here in Angola’s brand-new science museum, to get a chance to see the museum.  I can just see the generations of young Angolans who will come here to be inspired, to have their eyes opened, maybe choose careers in science, and to add to the incredible storehouse of human knowledge.  It’s a wonderful facility, but it’s also, I think, symbolic of two areas of collaboration between the United States and Angola that I’m very excited about and that we’re really pursuing and digging into. One is the fact that Artemis is now the third – excuse me, Angola is now the third African country to join the Artemis Accords for the peaceful use of space.  And you can see the extraordinary potential, some of which is already happening through existing NASA collaborations but will only be strengthened by Angola as part of Artemis, in terms of addressing some of the most acute needs here in Angola, including mitigating droughts, including irrigating soil and crops, and working on the effective use and management of water.  So much can be done from space using geospatial data, and the collaboration that we will now have between the United States and Angola is only going to strengthen those efforts and that partnership. Second, and relatedly, I’m very pleased that Angola is joining as an early partner in our VACS initiative, Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils.  The power here is this:  As we’ve been dealing with the kind of food insecurity over the last few years and we’ve seen an almost perfect storm between climate change, COVID, conflicts like the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the impact they’ve had on food security, one of the things that I’ve heard again and again, particularly in Africa, is that for all of the thanks that we get for the emergency assistance that we’ve been able to provide – either directly or through the United Nations, like the World Food Programme – what our partners are really for are investments in their own sustainable productive capacity.  And at the heart of that is making sure that they have the strongest possible system for producing food.  And one of the things that we’ve understood is that it really starts with two very basic things: the seeds and the soil. Here in Africa, and here in Angola, when we look at some of the traditional seeds that Africans have relied on – and here maybe it’s cassava, maybe it’s millet, maybe it’s sorghum, incredibly nutritious and that can now be made even more resistant to the ravages of climate change, to the cycles of droughts and floods and other abnormal weather events – when you have high-quality seeds and then you put them into high-quality soil, and we now have the ability to map soil anywhere in the world and understand where it’s strong and healthy, where it’s not and how to remediate that – you put those two things together and you have a much stronger, sustainable, resilient, and nutritious agricultural base.  And then we get to the point where Africa is feeding itself and, indeed, probably feeding other parts of the world. That’s the vision behind VACS, and that’s the partnership that we’re now building with Angola as one of our early partners in VACS.  So this seemed like a fitting place to emphasize that collaboration – both new heights in space, but also right here on Earth – and to demonstrate how these two things are connected.  So I’m excited to be able to be here at the museum to think about, again, generations of Angolans who will come here, have their eyes opened to science, to exploration, to using human ingenuity to solve problems. And finally, fundamentally, at the heart of all of our partnerships, including the partnership with Angola, is sharing and transferring knowledge.  Because, as important as assistance is, as important as investment is, it’s that transfer of knowledge – the sharing of knowledge, the sharing of understanding – that genuinely builds capacity in our partner countries and allows them to stand strongly on their own feet. Thanks very much.

The U.S. and UK Sanction Houthi Military Officials

01/25/2024

The U.S. and UK Sanction Houthi Military Officials 01/25/2024 10:37 AM EST Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson The United States is continuing to take action to hold the Houthis accountable for their illegal and reckless attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  Today, the United States is, jointly with the United Kingdom, imposing sanctions on four military officials of Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, who have supported the Houthis’ recent attacks. The Houthis’ terrorist attacks on merchant vessels and their civilian crews in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have disrupted international supply chains and infringed on navigational rights and freedoms.  The United States is committed to safeguarding international commercial trade and taking action alongside our allies and partners safeguard the safety of these critical waterways. On January 17, the U.S. Department of State announced the designation of Ansarallah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), effective February 16, 2024.  The Department of the Treasury action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended.  For more information on this designation, see Treasury’s press release.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António at a Joint Press Availability

01/25/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António at a Joint Press Availability 01/25/2024 02:17 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António Luanda, Angola Ministry of External Relations MODERATOR:  (Via interpreter) His Excellency Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America; His Excellency Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola; distinguished members of both delegations; dear journalists – good afternoon, and welcome to the (inaudible) auditorium here at the headquarters of the Angolan diplomacy.  Excellencies, we know that you were shortly in the presidential palace at – and meeting with His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of the Republic of Angola, where surely issues of common interest were discussed; regional and international issues also were deliberated.  At this auditorium we have the Angolan media resident and the U.S. correspondent who are eager to record and publish this essential visit.  I therefore ask your excellencies to summarize what was discussed, the conversation just concluded, starting with His Excellency Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, and then followed by Minister Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  (Inaudible.)  Ah, there we go.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  We started our trip in Cabo Verde.  We were then in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and now here in Angola.  And I have to note at the outset that while we were in Cote d’Ivoire, I had an opportunity to participate in viewing one of the matches in the Cup of Nations, and of course as a diplomat, I would never take sides in this competition, but I have to note the extremely strong results thus far in the tournament of the Palancas Negras.  (Laughter.)  And we’ll see what happens, but they’re off to a very, very good start.  Foreign Minister Téte, thank you so much for the warm welcome today.  It’s wonderful to make this trip to Angola as Secretary, and I especially want to thank President Lourenço for the very productive, important conversation that we’ve had, all (inaudible) dedicated, and the substance of our conversation.  I’m here in Angola and here in Africa as part of this four-country trip because we see America’s future and Africa’s future as joined.  Our peoples are joined; our prosperity and success in the future is linked.  African voices are shaping this century and leading on issues of global importance, including issues that matter to both of our peoples and their lives, from shared prosperity to dealing with climate change, to building greater food security.  And that’s clearly true here in Angola.  At the White House in November, President Biden reaffirmed to President Lourenço that this is a historic moment for the partnership between the United States and Angola.  Our relationship is stronger, it’s more consequential, it’s farther-reaching than at any point in our 30-year friendship.  And at this transformational moment, President Biden asked me to come to Luanda to help build on and accelerate our progress.  One of the most successful and dynamic demonstrations of this partnership between our countries – and we can see it in action – is our work to expand the critical Lobito Corridor that links Angola, Zambia, and the DRC.  We’re doing that through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  This project has genuinely transformative potential for this nation, for this region, and – I would argue – for the world.  It will spur investment in underdeveloped sectors like telecommunications and agriculture.  It will secure critical mineral supply chains that are essential to the economic futures of all of our countries, our industries, our workers, and our climate ambitions.  And it will more effectively connect Angola and its neighbors to global markets. The United States has committed funding to refurbish the existing 1,300-kilometer Lobito Atlantic Rail Line, and we’ve taken the first steps to build out 800 kilometers of new rail (inaudible), including through a consortium with Angola and six other partners.  I had a chance today to see some of the dramatic progress that’s already being made in building out this corridor.  It is moving faster and further, I think, than we even might have imagined when we set out to do it.  That rail investment, which is the biggest investment the United States has made in railways on the African continent in well over a generation, is at the heart of our Partnership for Global Investment and Infrastructure work in Angola.  But – and I saw this today as well – we’re also looking beyond rail, investing in additional projects that will together catalyze even more growth and even more prosperity.  We’re investing in a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project, which will provide clean electricity to half a million homes.  It’ll, in so doing, create thousands of local jobs and support the U.S. manufacture of solar equipment.  We’re helping construct steel bridges that will link communities across the country.  We’re supporting a project to connect people without traditional banking to mobile money applications.  That includes family farmers who will now have access to capital that they can invest in more efficient food production (inaudible). Food security is one of the areas that’s genuinely foundational to our partnership with Angola as well as with countries around the continent.  One of the things that I’ve heard time and again from our partners, at a time when we’ve had an almost perfect storm leading to greater food insecurity – climate change, then COVID, and then conflict, including the Russian aggression against Ukraine – one of the things I’ve heard time and again is, as important and as greatly appreciated as emergency assistance is, what partners are really looking for is to build their own sustainable productive capacity.  So that’s exactly what the United States is supporting: building long-term sustainable production in Africa, for Africans and, ultimately, for the rest of the world.  We can assure that African countries not only meet their own needs but can meet the needs of many others as well.  We’re going to work with Angola and with the International Fund for Agriculture Development through a new initiative that we have, our Vision for Adapted Crops and Soil, or VACS, part of USAID’s flagship Feed the Future program.  VACS rethinks what, where, and how we produce food in the face especially of the climate crisis.  It invests above ground, identifying the indigenous African crops that are most nutritious and most resilient to climate change, improves these varieties, and then delivers them to consumers and markets.  But it also invests below ground, mapping, conserving, building healthy soils.  Of course, we also discussed the challenges that we face in the region and beyond to security as well as to democracy.  The United States very much appreciates President Lourenço’s continued efforts to de-escalate tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.  We believe that the Luanda Process in tandem with the Nairobi Process is the best hope for enduring peace.  Angola is trusted by all sides; President Lourenço’s leadership is vital for a breakthrough.  Today, we had a chance to discuss that with the president, with the foreign minister, including meaningful steps that can be taken toward peace.  And we discussed other challenges on the continent.  We’ll continue to count on partners like Angola to address democratic backsliding in the region and follow through on their commitments on civil society, free and fair elections, and other pillars of democracy in our countries.  Finally, we spoke about our partnership beyond the continent, including through the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation.  That coalition is bringing together 34 countries – excuse me, 32 countries throughout the Atlantic to drive blue economic development, protect our shared environment, collaborate on science and technology in ways that benefit everyone.  Angola is taking a lead on tackling some of the biggest shared ocean-related challenges; it will soon co-chair the Marine Spatial Planning working group, which will help sustainably develop the region’s blue economies.  Finally, we’re thrilled that Angola is now the 33rd country to join the Artemis Accords.  These are a set of practical principles to guide the safe, peaceful, and sustainable exploration of space for the benefit of all humankind.  I had a chance to visit the new science museum today here in Luanda, which is a wonderful facility, and I can just see generations of young Angolans having their own horizons expanded.  But I think it’s also powerfully symbolic for the Artemis Accords that our partnership, our relationship is both literally as well as figuratively reaching new heights.  We couldn’t be more pleased with that and grateful for it. So Mr. Foreign Minister, Téte, thank you for this very warm welcome.  Thank you for the quality of our conversations and the work we’re doing together.  It’s very good to be here.  Thank you. FOREIGN MINISTER ANTÓNIO:  (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Mr. Antony.  You almost have said all the content of my speech, because you’ve said everything that we’ve been doing together as countries.  But mainly, I have to thank you for having chosen Angola as a destination – one of the destinations during your trip to Africa.  And also I’d like to thank for the way that his excellency the president of the republic has said he was received in Washington, D.C., and also in the same token to thank on how you received us when I went to Washington, D.C., to meet you at the State Department for a very long period of time where we discussed various issues.  We think that if we are to celebrate the 30 years of relationship with the U.S. last year, we consider that now we have gotten into a crucial stage, which is the stage of implementation of various agreements that we’ve signed.  We have 15 legal instruments that we’ve signed with the U.S.  We have established cooperation mechanisms that range from general policy to a memorandum on strategic partnership and goes down to sectoral dialogues.  And I believe that sectoral dialogues are very important, and we are satisfied that the results that we are seeing today on the ground are the aftermath of sectoral dialogues.  And we have to encourage those other sectors that need much more action amongst us, such as the vision that Secretary Blinken has mentioned, the VACS. So we think that food security is key to development.  Within the framework of our economy diversification, agriculture has an outstanding role to play.  And we have plans that we have adopted as a country, and these plans surely – such as Planagrão, which is the plan of cereals and the plan of livestock.  These will also benefit from this strategic partnership. Secondly is the topic of knowledge transfer.  This has been discussed, which would be the best investment that we can make in a country, because we acknowledge we can bring all kind of competencies and all sectors, but it will not be possible to achieve tangible results, because in order to translate them into practice, we need knowledge.  You have mentioned other sectors such as health, telecommunications.  We are making progresses with the U.S. Africell company, and energy also has been discussed.  And of course, Lobito Corridor is the flagbearer in terms of our domestic and foreign action, given its impact, and above all we have interest of bringing in private sector in order to look at Angola as one of crucial destinations, but also looking at Angola as a well-located country strategically.  Angola is located between the Central and Southern African regions, and with Lobito Corridor we believe we can have the biggest ambition, apart from its multiplying effect as an enterprise, that is translated into logistical bases that we’re creating – agriculture – and the possibility of having a major regional integration, and therefore a bigger market.  So that would lead us to materialize the ambition of having the two oceans – the Atlantic and the ocean connected.  So this is a great potential that it represents, and we also appreciate our cooperation in regional issues.  And I believe that all efforts that the president of the republic, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, has been conducting – who is the champion for peace and national reconciliation in Africa – and in this capacity, we also have added responsibility, and everything that we do complements the activities of the UN Security Council.  Therefore, the support of U.S. to Angola is important by leveraging and supporting those activities that we are undertaking. Lastly, the Security Council – we have been following attentively the work that has just been termed, the adoption by the UN Security Council about the resolution on a peacekeeping mission deployed by African Union and its funding.  This is a great milestone.  Of course, we have not achieved as much as we wanted to; we have achieved 75 percent.  But that can constitute a basis for us to having the continent benefiting from this effort.  Because indeed, everything that we do in trying to find peace in the region is done on behalf of the international community.  So that’s all I had to say at this point in time. MODERATOR:  (Via interpreter) Thank you, Excellencies.  After concluding the addresses by the two entities, the coming moment is for questions and answers.  I would appreciate it if the four selected journalists introduce themselves, give their names, and the entity they represent, asking their question remembering that there are only two questions for the Angolan press and two questions for the American press.  QUESTION:  (Via interpreter) Good afternoon.  My name is Candido Calombe from the Angolan Public Television.  My question is addressed to – to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  First, I’d like to know if there is plan and talks for President Biden to visit Angola.  And the other question:  Apart from the investment mentioned, is there another portfolio to support the country? Minister Téte António, I would like to know:  With this strengthening of strategic partnership, will be Angola in a position to mobilize U.S. investors to come and invest in our country?  Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  I know because President Biden raises it so frequently that he would welcome an opportunity to come here.  Of course, we have an election this year in the United States, so there are challenges to schedules, but I know from both the importance that he attaches to the relationship, the truly historic meeting between President Lourenço and President Biden in Washington, and all of our efforts here that I know he’d look forward to doing that at some point in the future.  At the same time, we’ve had – to Africa as well as to Angola specifically – a number of the President’s most senior advisors coming, visiting, and working closely together.  I’m very pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to be here today, but of course the Secretary of Defense was here, other senior officials have been here, and we look forward to continuing that work together and also receiving our friends in Washington, as we did with Téte recently.  In terms of what we’re doing together, as I said, it’s reached a depth and a breadth that we’ve never seen before in the relationship over 30 years.  I’ve mentioned some of the areas where we’re working together and supporting each other.  The Lobito Corridor, as I said, is probably the most powerful, concrete example because it brings together so much, not just the physical infrastructure and physical connections but digital as well.  And also dealing with the climate challenge through (inaudible). And in doing that, it’s creating more good jobs here in Angola, and it’s creating greater – greater opportunity as we address these challenges.  It’s also making Angola, I think, a hub – a hub for transportation, a hub for communications, and in so many ways it’s at the foundation of what we’re doing.  But even as we’re doing that, we’re working more broadly to attract more private sector investment (inaudible) the tools of the United States Government to support that, and I expect that we’ll see even more in the time to come.  The efforts that President Lourenço is making, including combatting corruption, is also critical because it creates the best possible investment environment.  Finally, I just want to emphasize something that Téte said because I think it’s so important.  The assistance that the United States can provide, the investment we can generate, they’re usually important and we will continue to do that.  But maybe even more important:  The way we do things together really is through the transfer of knowledge, the building up of capacity, of expertise, because that’s the single best way to ensure that going forward and in the future our friends and partners can really do everything that they need to do for themselves as well as for others in the world.  And that’s really at the heart of the relationship, whether it’s economic, whether it’s security, whether it’s on democracy, it’s sharing the experience that we’ve had, sharing the knowledge, the expertise that we’ve built up, and hopefully having that strengthen the capacity of our partners.  I – one thing I hope we see in the future, by the way, is even more exchange between us, between our peoples, starting with education – which is the first and most important way to transfer knowledge.  So we look forward to that as well.  Thank you.  FOREIGN MINISTER ANTÓNIO:  (Via interpreter)  Thank you.  Just to complement what Mr. Antony has just said with regard to invitation – invitation to President Biden has been extended.  We know that the trip of a head of state relies on various factors, and we all know and understand what these factors are.  And with regard to the coming of more U.S. companies, the role of diplomats is to pave the ways and establishing the environment for political and diplomatic relationship between countries so that the rest of sectors of society can follow suit.  And I believe this is our duty with Mr. Blinken.  That is what he’s doing apart from other issues of common concern.  With regard to bilateral relations, this is a determining factor showing that the level of relationship that we’ve achieved already says about – says it all about the existence of good business environment so that U.S. investors and also Angolan investors do not forget that this is a two-way relationship we have constituting courage, our entrepreneurs, to take heed of the opportunities in the U.S.  Now, with regard to private sector, our belief is two.  We know that in our transformation agenda it is based on belief on the private sector, and that means we believe on the role of private sectors that is about U.S. companies that would be willing to invest in Angola.  We know that Ambassador Mushingi has a very good checklist, and that checklist, which he checks every day, will grow a lot as from now on.  And I believe this is the role that we are playing over here, and we believe that all of us do trust in this good relationship between the two countries that will generate a good business environment.  QUESTION:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.  Thank you, Mr. Minister for having us.  Mr. Secretary, could – Shaun Tandon with AFP.  Mr. Secretary, could I follow up on a couple of things you mentioned in your opening remarks?  You mentioned DRC and Rwanda, and Mr. Minister, you mentioned that as well – the efforts by the president.  How hopeful are you that there could be more stability now?  You’ve spoken with Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi in recent weeks.  Previous attempts to end the violence have not succeeded.  How optimistic are you that this could succeed now?  Could I also follow up – you mentioned democracy.  Opposition groups have called for the holding of local elections here in Angola.  Is that something that’s come up?  To what extent did you discuss the situation here?  And Mr. Secretary, if I could also – something slightly further afield – but we’re expecting a decision soon from the International Court of Justice regarding the suit filed by South Africa on Israel.  I know you’ve earlier said that it’s meritless.  Does that judgement still stand?  How does this in a long term affect relations with South Africa, that they brought it forward?  Thanks very much.  Obrigado. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Shaun, thank you very much.  So first, with regard to the DRC and Rwanda, as you know, we work closely together with our partners first and foremost to get through the recent election period in the DRC.  And I think as a result of some of the work that we did – and notably the work that the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines did in working with Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee, putting together a mechanism so that all sides were sharing information in real time and that there were no miscalculations made about what was happening on the ground – that was successful, I think, in helping making sure that we got through the election period.  Now that the election is done, we believe that it’s an important moment to try to forge forward with diplomacy and particularly with the processes that have been established, notably Rwanda and also Nairobi, to work toward a durable peace.  And that’s exactly what we talked to President Lourenço about today.  I think in that effort Angola plays – and the president plays – an essential role, because President Lourenço is trusted by all sides.  And that’s vital.  That’s the most important currency that we have.  And so we talked about concrete ways to have that process move forward.  And I – as you said, I had the opportunity to speak both to the president of the DRC and the president of Rwanda just in recent days.  We’re going to continue our intense engagement in support of efforts that our African partners are making.  I don’t want to evaluate prospects, but we did talk about concrete steps today with President Lourenço that could be taken to move the diplomatic track forward.  And I think that’s essential.  With regard to Angola itself, we also had a good conversation with President Lourenço about some of the work that he’s doing here at home in his own leadership.  I mentioned the (inaudible) that are being made to combat corruption and how important that is, first and foremost, for the Angolan people, but it’s also important in terms of attracting foreign investment.  But we also discussed the way forward, including in local elections and including continuing to expand the space for media.  The president noted that he’s just about to open a second academy to train journalists – there’s already one here in Luanda – and we think that’s an important and positive trajectory.   With the – with regard to the ICJ, look, I’m not going to get ahead of the opinion.  You know our views on the on the case; those views stand.  And of course, our relationship with South Africa is vitally important, and it is a very broad and deep relationship covering many, many issues.  So whether or not we have a disagreement on one particular matter doesn’t take away from the important work that we’re doing together in so many other areas and that we’ll continue. FOREIGN MINISTER António:  (Via interpreter) I don’t know if you are still waiting for an answer from my side after the answer given by Mr. Blinken.  Just to say that the way towards peace is not a straightforward line.  It’s not a straight line.  This can find a lot of variation.  If we were in mathematics, a graph, it is never straight.  So as I said in my speech, we have been benefiting from U.S. activities towards the same actors.  I believe those who were in Luanda yesterday and followed the news have learned that the president of the republic spoke with President Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame.  That means the Luanda Process is still on and it is still engaged in the search for peace, mainly in the eastern DRC. Of course, all peace processes go through various stages.  We know the history of that country.  And our task is not only to continue working with the parties, but also a hope that regional efforts – I’m talking about Nairobi Process with which we’ve been coordinating – there has to be some harmonization.  That’s why Luanda was the capital that hosted the Quadripartite Summit that aimed at harmonizing the initiatives.  So I still believe that these efforts are still valid, and we’ll continue to do them in order to help the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is not only neighboring country, but also a strategic country for Africa, for the world at large, can find peace. QUESTION:  (Via interpreter)  Good afternoon.  I am Sany Funche from the Angolan national radio.  I would like to address my question to the U.S. Secretary of State to know whether the U.S. supports the initiatives by African leaders needed to bring about a change in the UN Security Council, a reform that will allow Africans to have a more active voice.  To the minister of external relations, I would like to know what understandings have been achieved after this visit by the U.S. Secretary of State?  Thank you.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  And the short answer to your question is: yes.  You may have heard President Biden speak to this at the General Assembly in New York this past year.  The United States supports reform in the Security Council.  We want to make sure that the Security Council and, for that matter, other international institutions and organizations, reflect today’s realities, not just the realities that existed when those organizations were created, many – in some cases many, many decades ago.  And so we believe the Security Council needs to be more representative and to include African voices. We’ve made some progress in that general direction this year, as you know, with American leadership.  The African Union was integrated into the G20.  But Security Council reform is critical, and the President’s spoken to it – but not only speaking to it, we’re going to try to work to act on it this year working with partners in Africa, and of course working with other members of the existing Security Council, to try to move forward on reform. FOREIGN MINISTER António: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much.  Just to complement on the issue of the UN Security Council reform, that also was one of the issues discussed in the meeting with the president of the republic.  We may recall that the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit had this as one of the most important topics in the speech by President Biden.  So this is the attention that the U.S. had been attaching to the request by the African continent, mainly in the framework of the Ezulwini Consensus that has to do with Africa’s position towards the UN Security Council reform.   Secondly, about the understandings, I believe that the main understanding is for us to continue working in those fields that have been mentioned already and continue to encourage and animate our relationship with the U.S. on those issues that we think that we have not yet made big progress such as – we were talking a while ago about how know-how transfer.  We have signed various agreements, and the motto is the implementation of the main legal instruments that we’ve signed, including the strengthening of sectoral dialogues.  With regard to other issues, namely issue – regional issues, as mentioned here by Mr. Blinken, I think we don’t need to get into details about the next steps to be taken regarding trying to find solution to the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict.  But there is mutual will for us to continue collaborating on this regard.  I believe we can limit ourselves to this understanding, this understanding can be translated into agreement or goodwill, and this goodwill does exist between us in those sectors that we have agreed upon already and those others that we’ll continue pressing on. QUESTION:  Hi.  Thanks very much to both of you for doing this.  I’m Michael Birnbaum from The Washington Post.  Mr. Secretary, I wanted to ask about this allegation from UNRWA that one of its compounds in Gaza was hit recently and at least 12 people were killed.  And they’re saying that it was hit by tank rounds.  What’s your assessment of whether Israel is responsible for it?  And more broadly, over the last couple of days we’re seeing Israel demolish buildings along the border in Gaza, saying they’re doing that to establish a buffer zone.  That’s something that you’ve pushed them not to do.  How many times do you need to push the Israelis to protect civilians – are they living up to the commitments they’ve made to you – before they actually listen? And Minister António, I wanted to ask about your sense of – you’ve talked about deepening your partnership, orienting Angola more toward the United States through Lobito Corridor and these other projects you’re talking about today.  What’s your sense of the United States as a partner versus China and Russia, who both clearly have deep relationships in Angola?  And you mentioned last year, standing alongside Sergey Lavrov, that you wanted to avoid a third world war.  How has the war in Ukraine affected your assessment of Russia as a partner?  Brigado.    Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  So with regard to the reports of the incident at the UN facility, first, let me just emphasize again something that we have emphasized from day one, and that is the imperative of protecting civilians and protecting civilian infrastructure, as well as the humanitarian and UN infrastructure that is there in Gaza to help people who are in desperate need.  And the work that the UN is performing in Gaza is quite literally lifesaving, and no one else can do it – no one else is doing it.  And it only underscores the importance of making sure that its facilities – including facilities that it’s erected or is maintaining that are housing the many, many displaced Palestinians until they can go back to their homes and neighborhoods, is essential and it has to be protected.  We’ve reaffirmed this with the Government of Israel, and it’s my understanding that they are, as is necessary and appropriate, looking into this incident. More broadly with regard to civilian infrastructure and with regard to the contours of Gaza itself, we’ve spoken very clearly about this and will continue to do so, both with the Government of Israel as well as in public.  We do not support any diminution of the territory of Gaza.  And similarly, it’s vitally important that all of the civilian infrastructure be protected as best possible – understanding that this is a war brought about by the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7th, that Hamas continues to hide in and under civilian infrastructure.  Nonetheless, there’s a responsibility on the part of Israel to do everything possible to protect that infrastructure, and certainly not to destroy it.  So that’s, again, something that we have and will continue to take up with the government. And as I’ve said from the outset, from these now four months since October 7th, when we have important questions that we’re pursuing, important needs that we’re pursuing – when it comes to humanitarian assistance, when it comes to civilian protection, when it comes to any other aspect of this – it’s an ongoing conversation, an ongoing dialogue.  And sometimes you don’t get results immediately, flipping a light switch.  It’s a process; we’re at it every single day.  And I believe the engagements that we’ve had, the interventions we’ve made, the work that we’ve done, has made a real difference over these past four months – both in terms of humanitarian assistance and civilian protection.  Having said that, the suffering of civilians in Gaza – men, women, and children – remains heartbreaking, and it animates us to do everything we can to try to ensure the best we can that the right steps are being taken to protect civilians and to make sure that they’re getting the assistance that they need.  Let me leave it at that. FOREIGN MINISTER António:  (Via interpreter) Thank you very much for your question.  With regard to the relationship with Russia, China, and the U.S., first of all I would like to say that Angola is a country that is open to the world.  Maybe I should borrow a word by Mr. Blinken during a visit to West African countries.  He said that in a country that needs so much that everybody has a space to cooperate with that country.  I can’t recall which country was that, but Mr. Blinken is here, can testify to that.  So this also applies to the Republic of Angola.  And knowing our history, in terms of the development and transformation that we want to bring about in this country, but all partnerships that can fit into our needs and our policy in terms of our developmental policy are welcome.  With regard to the fact to which extent the war between Russia and Ukraine affect our relationships, we know that the premises for establishing diplomatic relations are well known, (inaudible) – mutual respect, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.  These are the basic principles in the relation with Angola, the Republic of Congo, Angola with South Africa, Angola with Russia, or Angola with the United States of America.  These are base principle of all diplomatic relations.  And in these relationship, we can have also different standpoints in our relations.  And we believe as Angola that the best friends are the one who tells the truth, and I believe I could stop here and say that the difference that might exist in our relationship with one or another are applicable to this old adage, saying that the best friend is the one who tells the true.  Where we think that the principle that we’ve just mentioned – or the principles that I’ve mentioned – are not being upheld, and we had to warn our friends.  So this is the way that I’m trying to summarize my response.  With regard to the first question, this is an aspect that I’ve already mentioned.  I had the privilege of borrowing Mr. Antony’s statement on the need of having partnership.  And maybe we should think deeper.  I think it’s wrong when our interpretation for partnership development falls into temptation of saying, “You must leave for me to get in.”  That’s wrong, because in political terms, this could be misinterpreted.  It looks like the partner that we’re going to have has to be under dominion of somebody else, whereas the world lives on complementarity, and this complementarity has various development levels.  Let me just give an example.  Maybe the structure of Angola’s foreign trade with the U.S. might not be the same as that of foreign trade between Angola with Japan, or U.S. with Japan – because the level of development is different.  And in this difference, we will try to find solution for the needs for our development.  So I think we need to think out of the box and not get stuck into those paradigms that are no longer valid in this world of complementarity.  Thank you very much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you, everyone. MODERATOR:  (Via interpreter) Excellencies, thank you very much for your responses.  The – journalists, we have come to the close of our press conference.  Thank you very much for having come, and wish you a very good afternoon. Tags Angola Bureau of African Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip

Australia National Day

01/25/2024

Australia National Day 01/25/2024 01:56 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the American people, I extend heartfelt best wishes to all Australians around the world for Australia Day, January 26. The U.S.-Australia relationship is based on an unbreakable foundation of common values, beliefs, and aspirations. We share a commitment to democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law. Our societies are enriched by the wisdom of our respective First Nations peoples and the generations of immigrants who have sought to build a better life for their families. We both want the same things for the Indo-Pacific region and the world – peace, openness, stability and prosperity. The friendship the U.S. and Australia enjoys, along with our clear sense of common purpose, have only deepened in the past year. From launching the Climate, Critical Minerals, and Clean Energy Transformation Compact; to deepening our economic, technology, and innovation cooperation; to bolstering our defense and security ties including through AUKUS; to delivering for our partners in the Pacific; to expanding collaboration between our First Nations citizens: our alliance has never been stronger and more important. The United States looks forward to working even more closely together across the full range of global challenges in the years ahead, and to enhancing the ties of goodwill and cooperation between the diverse peoples of Australia and the United States. Americans know that, in Australia, they have one of their dearest friends, one of their staunchest allies, and one of their closest partners. On this occasion of both celebration and reflection, I wish our mates in Australia a happy and safe Australia Day. Tags Australia Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António at a Joint Press Availability

01/25/2024

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António at a Joint Press Availability 01/25/2024 02:17 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António Luanda, Angola Ministry of External Relations MODERATOR:  (Via interpreter) His Excellency Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America; His Excellency Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola; distinguished members of both delegations; dear journalists – good afternoon, and welcome to the (inaudible) auditorium here at the headquarters of the Angolan diplomacy.  Excellencies, we know that you were shortly in the presidential palace at – and meeting with His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of the Republic of Angola, where surely issues of common interest were discussed; regional and international issues also were deliberated.  At this auditorium we have the Angolan media resident and the U.S. correspondent who are eager to record and publish this essential visit.  I therefore ask your excellencies to summarize what was discussed, the conversation just concluded, starting with His Excellency Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, and then followed by Minister Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  (Inaudible.)  Ah, there we go.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  We started our trip in Cabo Verde.  We were then in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and now here in Angola.  And I have to note at the outset that while we were in Cote d’Ivoire, I had an opportunity to participate in viewing one of the matches in the Cup of Nations, and of course as a diplomat, I would never take sides in this competition, but I have to note the extremely strong results thus far in the tournament of the Palancas Negras.  (Laughter.)  And we’ll see what happens, but they’re off to a very, very good start.  Foreign Minister Téte, thank you so much for the warm welcome today.  It’s wonderful to make this trip to Angola as Secretary, and I especially want to thank President Lourenço for the very productive, important conversation that we’ve had, all (inaudible) dedicated, and the substance of our conversation.  I’m here in Angola and here in Africa as part of this four-country trip because we see America’s future and Africa’s future as joined.  Our peoples are joined; our prosperity and success in the future is linked.  African voices are shaping this century and leading on issues of global importance, including issues that matter to both of our peoples and their lives, from shared prosperity to dealing with climate change, to building greater food security.  And that’s clearly true here in Angola.  At the White House in November, President Biden reaffirmed to President Lourenço that this is a historic moment for the partnership between the United States and Angola.  Our relationship is stronger, it’s more consequential, it’s farther-reaching than at any point in our 30-year friendship.  And at this transformational moment, President Biden asked me to come to Luanda to help build on and accelerate our progress.  One of the most successful and dynamic demonstrations of this partnership between our countries – and we can see it in action – is our work to expand the critical Lobito Corridor that links Angola, Zambia, and the DRC.  We’re doing that through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  This project has genuinely transformative potential for this nation, for this region, and – I would argue – for the world.  It will spur investment in underdeveloped sectors like telecommunications and agriculture.  It will secure critical mineral supply chains that are essential to the economic futures of all of our countries, our industries, our workers, and our climate ambitions.  And it will more effectively connect Angola and its neighbors to global markets. The United States has committed funding to refurbish the existing 1,300-kilometer Lobito Atlantic Rail Line, and we’ve taken the first steps to build out 800 kilometers of new rail (inaudible), including through a consortium with Angola and six other partners.  I had a chance today to see some of the dramatic progress that’s already being made in building out this corridor.  It is moving faster and further, I think, than we even might have imagined when we set out to do it.  That rail investment, which is the biggest investment the United States has made in railways on the African continent in well over a generation, is at the heart of our Partnership for Global Investment and Infrastructure work in Angola.  But – and I saw this today as well – we’re also looking beyond rail, investing in additional projects that will together catalyze even more growth and even more prosperity.  We’re investing in a multi-billion-dollar solar energy project, which will provide clean electricity to half a million homes.  It’ll, in so doing, create thousands of local jobs and support the U.S. manufacture of solar equipment.  We’re helping construct steel bridges that will link communities across the country.  We’re supporting a project to connect people without traditional banking to mobile money applications.  That includes family farmers who will now have access to capital that they can invest in more efficient food production (inaudible). Food security is one of the areas that’s genuinely foundational to our partnership with Angola as well as with countries around the continent.  One of the things that I’ve heard time and again from our partners, at a time when we’ve had an almost perfect storm leading to greater food insecurity – climate change, then COVID, and then conflict, including the Russian aggression against Ukraine – one of the things I’ve heard time and again is, as important and as greatly appreciated as emergency assistance is, what partners are really looking for is to build their own sustainable productive capacity.  So that’s exactly what the United States is supporting: building long-term sustainable production in Africa, for Africans and, ultimately, for the rest of the world.  We can assure that African countries not only meet their own needs but can meet the needs of many others as well.  We’re going to work with Angola and with the International Fund for Agriculture Development through a new initiative that we have, our Vision for Adapted Crops and Soil, or VACS, part of USAID’s flagship Feed the Future program.  VACS rethinks what, where, and how we produce food in the face especially of the climate crisis.  It invests above ground, identifying the indigenous African crops that are most nutritious and most resilient to climate change, improves these varieties, and then delivers them to consumers and markets.  But it also invests below ground, mapping, conserving, building healthy soils.  Of course, we also discussed the challenges that we face in the region and beyond to security as well as to democracy.  The United States very much appreciates President Lourenço’s continued efforts to de-escalate tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.  We believe that the Luanda Process in tandem with the Nairobi Process is the best hope for enduring peace.  Angola is trusted by all sides; President Lourenço’s leadership is vital for a breakthrough.  Today, we had a chance to discuss that with the president, with the foreign minister, including meaningful steps that can be taken toward peace.  And we discussed other challenges on the continent.  We’ll continue to count on partners like Angola to address democratic backsliding in the region and follow through on their commitments on civil society, free and fair elections, and other pillars of democracy in our countries.  Finally, we spoke about our partnership beyond the continent, including through the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation.  That coalition is bringing together 34 countries – excuse me, 32 countries throughout the Atlantic to drive blue economic development, protect our shared environment, collaborate on science and technology in ways that benefit everyone.  Angola is taking a lead on tackling some of the biggest shared ocean-related challenges; it will soon co-chair the Marine Spatial Planning working group, which will help sustainably develop the region’s blue economies.  Finally, we’re thrilled that Angola is now the 33rd country to join the Artemis Accords.  These are a set of practical principles to guide the safe, peaceful, and sustainable exploration of space for the benefit of all humankind.  I had a chance to visit the new science museum today here in Luanda, which is a wonderful facility, and I can just see generations of young Angolans having their own horizons expanded.  But I think it’s also powerfully symbolic for the Artemis Accords that our partnership, our relationship is both literally as well as figuratively reaching new heights.  We couldn’t be more pleased with that and grateful for it. So Mr. Foreign Minister, Téte, thank you for this very warm welcome.  Thank you for the quality of our conversations and the work we’re doing together.  It’s very good to be here.  Thank you. FOREIGN MINISTER ANTÓNIO:  (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Mr. Antony.  You almost have said all the content of my speech, because you’ve said everything that we’ve been doing together as countries.  But mainly, I have to thank you for having chosen Angola as a destination – one of the destinations during your trip to Africa.  And also I’d like to thank for the way that his excellency the president of the republic has said he was received in Washington, D.C., and also in the same token to thank on how you received us when I went to Washington, D.C., to meet you at the State Department for a very long period of time where we discussed various issues.  We think that if we are to celebrate the 30 years of relationship with the U.S. last year, we consider that now we have gotten into a crucial stage, which is the stage of implementation of various agreements that we’ve signed.  We have 15 legal instruments that we’ve signed with the U.S.  We have established cooperation mechanisms that range from general policy to a memorandum on strategic partnership and goes down to sectoral dialogues.  And I believe that sectoral dialogues are very important, and we are satisfied that the results that we are seeing today on the ground are the aftermath of sectoral dialogues.  And we have to encourage those other sectors that need much more action amongst us, such as the vision that Secretary Blinken has mentioned, the VACS. So we think that food security is key to development.  Within the framework of our economy diversification, agriculture has an outstanding role to play.  And we have plans that we have adopted as a country, and these plans surely – such as Planagrão, which is the plan of cereals and the plan of livestock.  These will also benefit from this strategic partnership. Secondly is the topic of knowledge transfer.  This has been discussed, which would be the best investment that we can make in a country, because we acknowledge we can bring all kind of competencies and all sectors, but it will not be possible to achieve tangible results, because in order to translate them into practice, we need knowledge.  You have mentioned other sectors such as health, telecommunications.  We are making progresses with the U.S. Africell company, and energy also has been discussed.  And of course, Lobito Corridor is the flagbearer in terms of our domestic and foreign action, given its impact, and above all we have interest of bringing in private sector in order to look at Angola as one of crucial destinations, but also looking at Angola as a well-located country strategically.  Angola is located between the Central and Southern African regions, and with Lobito Corridor we believe we can have the biggest ambition, apart from its multiplying effect as an enterprise, that is translated into logistical bases that we’re creating – agriculture – and the possibility of having a major regional integration, and therefore a bigger market.  So that would lead us to materialize the ambition of having the two oceans – the Atlantic and the ocean connected.  So this is a great potential that it represents, and we also appreciate our cooperation in regional issues.  And I believe that all efforts that the president of the republic, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, has been conducting – who is the champion for peace and national reconciliation in Africa – and in this capacity, we also have added responsibility, and everything that we do complements the activities of the UN Security Council.  Therefore, the support of U.S. to Angola is important by leveraging and supporting those activities that we are undertaking. Lastly, the Security Council – we have been following attentively the work that has just been termed, the adoption by the UN Security Council about the resolution on a peacekeeping mission deployed by African Union and its funding.  This is a great milestone.  Of course, we have not achieved as much as we wanted to; we have achieved 75 percent.  But that can constitute a basis for us to having the continent benefiting from this effort.  Because indeed, everything that we do in trying to find peace in the region is done on behalf of the international community.  So that’s all I had to say at this point in time. MODERATOR:  (Via interpreter) Thank you, Excellencies.  After concluding the addresses by the two entities, the coming moment is for questions and answers.  I would appreciate it if the four selected journalists introduce themselves, give their names, and the entity they represent, asking their question remembering that there are only two questions for the Angolan press and two questions for the American press.  QUESTION:  (Via interpreter) Good afternoon.  My name is Candido Calombe from the Angolan Public Television.  My question is addressed to – to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  First, I’d like to know if there is plan and talks for President Biden to visit Angola.  And the other question:  Apart from the investment mentioned, is there another portfolio to support the country? Minister Téte António, I would like to know:  With this strengthening of strategic partnership, will be Angola in a position to mobilize U.S. investors to come and invest in our country?  Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  I know because President Biden raises it so frequently that he would welcome an opportunity to come here.  Of course, we have an election this year in the United States, so there are challenges to schedules, but I know from both the importance that he attaches to the relationship, the truly historic meeting between President Lourenço and President Biden in Washington, and all of our efforts here that I know he’d look forward to doing that at some point in the future.  At the same time, we’ve had – to Africa as well as to Angola specifically – a number of the President’s most senior advisors coming, visiting, and working closely together.  I’m very pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to be here today, but of course the Secretary of Defense was here, other senior officials have been here, and we look forward to continuing that work together and also receiving our friends in Washington, as we did with Téte recently.  In terms of what we’re doing together, as I said, it’s reached a depth and a breadth that we’ve never seen before in the relationship over 30 years.  I’ve mentioned some of the areas where we’re working together and supporting each other.  The Lobito Corridor, as I said, is probably the most powerful, concrete example because it brings together so much, not just the physical infrastructure and physical connections but digital as well.  And also dealing with the climate challenge through (inaudible). And in doing that, it’s creating more good jobs here in Angola, and it’s creating greater – greater opportunity as we address these challenges.  It’s also making Angola, I think, a hub – a hub for transportation, a hub for communications, and in so many ways it’s at the foundation of what we’re doing.  But even as we’re doing that, we’re working more broadly to attract more private sector investment (inaudible) the tools of the United States Government to support that, and I expect that we’ll see even more in the time to come.  The efforts that President Lourenço is making, including combatting corruption, is also critical because it creates the best possible investment environment.  Finally, I just want to emphasize something that Téte said because I think it’s so important.  The assistance that the United States can provide, the investment we can generate, they’re usually important and we will continue to do that.  But maybe even more important:  The way we do things together really is through the transfer of knowledge, the building up of capacity, of expertise, because that’s the single best way to ensure that going forward and in the future our friends and partners can really do everything that they need to do for themselves as well as for others in the world.  And that’s really at the heart of the relationship, whether it’s economic, whether it’s security, whether it’s on democracy, it’s sharing the experience that we’ve had, sharing the knowledge, the expertise that we’ve built up, and hopefully having that strengthen the capacity of our partners.  I – one thing I hope we see in the future, by the way, is even more exchange between us, between our peoples, starting with education – which is the first and most important way to transfer knowledge.  So we look forward to that as well.  Thank you.  FOREIGN MINISTER ANTÓNIO:  (Via interpreter)  Thank you.  Just to complement what Mr. Antony has just said with regard to invitation – invitation to President Biden has been extended.  We know that the trip of a head of state relies on various factors, and we all know and understand what these factors are.  And with regard to the coming of more U.S. companies, the role of diplomats is to pave the ways and establishing the environment for political and diplomatic relationship between countries so that the rest of sectors of society can follow suit.  And I believe this is our duty with Mr. Blinken.  That is what he’s doing apart from other issues of common concern.  With regard to bilateral relations, this is a determining factor showing that the level of relationship that we’ve achieved already says about – says it all about the existence of good business environment so that U.S. investors and also Angolan investors do not forget that this is a two-way relationship we have constituting courage, our entrepreneurs, to take heed of the opportunities in the U.S.  Now, with regard to private sector, our belief is two.  We know that in our transformation agenda it is based on belief on the private sector, and that means we believe on the role of private sectors that is about U.S. companies that would be willing to invest in Angola.  We know that Ambassador Mushingi has a very good checklist, and that checklist, which he checks every day, will grow a lot as from now on.  And I believe this is the role that we are playing over here, and we believe that all of us do trust in this good relationship between the two countries that will generate a good business environment.  QUESTION:  Thank you, Mr. Secretary.  Thank you, Mr. Minister for having us.  Mr. Secretary, could – Shaun Tandon with AFP.  Mr. Secretary, could I follow up on a couple of things you mentioned in your opening remarks?  You mentioned DRC and Rwanda, and Mr. Minister, you mentioned that as well – the efforts by the president.  How hopeful are you that there could be more stability now?  You’ve spoken with Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi in recent weeks.  Previous attempts to end the violence have not succeeded.  How optimistic are you that this could succeed now?  Could I also follow up – you mentioned democracy.  Opposition groups have called for the holding of local elections here in Angola.  Is that something that’s come up?  To what extent did you discuss the situation here?  And Mr. Secretary, if I could also – something slightly further afield – but we’re expecting a decision soon from the International Court of Justice regarding the suit filed by South Africa on Israel.  I know you’ve earlier said that it’s meritless.  Does that judgement still stand?  How does this in a long term affect relations with South Africa, that they brought it forward?  Thanks very much.  Obrigado. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.  Shaun, thank you very much.  So first, with regard to the DRC and Rwanda, as you know, we work closely together with our partners first and foremost to get through the recent election period in the DRC.  And I think as a result of some of the work that we did – and notably the work that the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines did in working with Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee, putting together a mechanism so that all sides were sharing information in real time and that there were no miscalculations made about what was happening on the ground – that was successful, I think, in helping making sure that we got through the election period.  Now that the election is done, we believe that it’s an important moment to try to forge forward with diplomacy and particularly with the processes that have been established, notably Rwanda and also Nairobi, to work toward a durable peace.  And that’s exactly what we talked to President Lourenço about today.  I think in that effort Angola plays – and the president plays – an essential role, because President Lourenço is trusted by all sides.  And that’s vital.  That’s the most important currency that we have.  And so we talked about concrete ways to have that process move forward.  And I – as you said, I had the opportunity to speak both to the president of the DRC and the president of Rwanda just in recent days.  We’re going to continue our intense engagement in support of efforts that our African partners are making.  I don’t want to evaluate prospects, but we did talk about concrete steps today with President Lourenço that could be taken to move the diplomatic track forward.  And I think that’s essential.  With regard to Angola itself, we also had a good conversation with President Lourenço about some of the work that he’s doing here at home in his own leadership.  I mentioned the (inaudible) that are being made to combat corruption and how important that is, first and foremost, for the Angolan people, but it’s also important in terms of attracting foreign investment.  But we also discussed the way forward, including in local elections and including continuing to expand the space for media.  The president noted that he’s just about to open a second academy to train journalists – there’s already one here in Luanda – and we think that’s an important and positive trajectory.   With the – with regard to the ICJ, look, I’m not going to get ahead of the opinion.  You know our views on the on the case; those views stand.  And of course, our relationship with South Africa is vitally important, and it is a very broad and deep relationship covering many, many issues.  So whether or not we have a disagreement on one particular matter doesn’t take away from the important work that we’re doing together in so many other areas and that we’ll continue. FOREIGN MINISTER António:  (Via interpreter) I don’t know if you are still waiting for an answer from my side after the answer given by Mr. Blinken.  Just to say that the way towards peace is not a straightforward line.  It’s not a straight line.  This can find a lot of variation.  If we were in mathematics, a graph, it is never straight.  So as I said in my speech, we have been benefiting from U.S. activities towards the same actors.  I believe those who were in Luanda yesterday and followed the news have learned that the president of the republic spoke with President Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame.  That means the Luanda Process is still on and it is still engaged in the search for peace, mainly in the eastern DRC. Of course, all peace processes go through various stages.  We know the history of that country.  And our task is not only to continue working with the parties, but also a hope that regional efforts – I’m talking about Nairobi Process with which we’ve been coordinating – there has to be some harmonization.  That’s why Luanda was the capital that hosted the Quadripartite Summit that aimed at harmonizing the initiatives.  So I still believe that these efforts are still valid, and we’ll continue to do them in order to help the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is not only neighboring country, but also a strategic country for Africa, for the world at large, can find peace. QUESTION:  (Via interpreter)  Good afternoon.  I am Sany Funche from the Angolan national radio.  I would like to address my question to the U.S. Secretary of State to know whether the U.S. supports the initiatives by African leaders needed to bring about a change in the UN Security Council, a reform that will allow Africans to have a more active voice.  To the minister of external relations, I would like to know what understandings have been achieved after this visit by the U.S. Secretary of State?  Thank you.  SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  And the short answer to your question is: yes.  You may have heard President Biden speak to this at the General Assembly in New York this past year.  The United States supports reform in the Security Council.  We want to make sure that the Security Council and, for that matter, other international institutions and organizations, reflect today’s realities, not just the realities that existed when those organizations were created, many – in some cases many, many decades ago.  And so we believe the Security Council needs to be more representative and to include African voices. We’ve made some progress in that general direction this year, as you know, with American leadership.  The African Union was integrated into the G20.  But Security Council reform is critical, and the President’s spoken to it – but not only speaking to it, we’re going to try to work to act on it this year working with partners in Africa, and of course working with other members of the existing Security Council, to try to move forward on reform. FOREIGN MINISTER António: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much.  Just to complement on the issue of the UN Security Council reform, that also was one of the issues discussed in the meeting with the president of the republic.  We may recall that the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit had this as one of the most important topics in the speech by President Biden.  So this is the attention that the U.S. had been attaching to the request by the African continent, mainly in the framework of the Ezulwini Consensus that has to do with Africa’s position towards the UN Security Council reform.   Secondly, about the understandings, I believe that the main understanding is for us to continue working in those fields that have been mentioned already and continue to encourage and animate our relationship with the U.S. on those issues that we think that we have not yet made big progress such as – we were talking a while ago about how know-how transfer.  We have signed various agreements, and the motto is the implementation of the main legal instruments that we’ve signed, including the strengthening of sectoral dialogues.  With regard to other issues, namely issue – regional issues, as mentioned here by Mr. Blinken, I think we don’t need to get into details about the next steps to be taken regarding trying to find solution to the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict.  But there is mutual will for us to continue collaborating on this regard.  I believe we can limit ourselves to this understanding, this understanding can be translated into agreement or goodwill, and this goodwill does exist between us in those sectors that we have agreed upon already and those others that we’ll continue pressing on. QUESTION:  Hi.  Thanks very much to both of you for doing this.  I’m Michael Birnbaum from The Washington Post.  Mr. Secretary, I wanted to ask about this allegation from UNRWA that one of its compounds in Gaza was hit recently and at least 12 people were killed.  And they’re saying that it was hit by tank rounds.  What’s your assessment of whether Israel is responsible for it?  And more broadly, over the last couple of days we’re seeing Israel demolish buildings along the border in Gaza, saying they’re doing that to establish a buffer zone.  That’s something that you’ve pushed them not to do.  How many times do you need to push the Israelis to protect civilians – are they living up to the commitments they’ve made to you – before they actually listen? And Minister António, I wanted to ask about your sense of – you’ve talked about deepening your partnership, orienting Angola more toward the United States through Lobito Corridor and these other projects you’re talking about today.  What’s your sense of the United States as a partner versus China and Russia, who both clearly have deep relationships in Angola?  And you mentioned last year, standing alongside Sergey Lavrov, that you wanted to avoid a third world war.  How has the war in Ukraine affected your assessment of Russia as a partner?  Brigado.    Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  So with regard to the reports of the incident at the UN facility, first, let me just emphasize again something that we have emphasized from day one, and that is the imperative of protecting civilians and protecting civilian infrastructure, as well as the humanitarian and UN infrastructure that is there in Gaza to help people who are in desperate need.  And the work that the UN is performing in Gaza is quite literally lifesaving, and no one else can do it – no one else is doing it.  And it only underscores the importance of making sure that its facilities – including facilities that it’s erected or is maintaining that are housing the many, many displaced Palestinians until they can go back to their homes and neighborhoods, is essential and it has to be protected.  We’ve reaffirmed this with the Government of Israel, and it’s my understanding that they are, as is necessary and appropriate, looking into this incident. More broadly with regard to civilian infrastructure and with regard to the contours of Gaza itself, we’ve spoken very clearly about this and will continue to do so, both with the Government of Israel as well as in public.  We do not support any diminution of the territory of Gaza.  And similarly, it’s vitally important that all of the civilian infrastructure be protected as best possible – understanding that this is a war brought about by the horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7th, that Hamas continues to hide in and under civilian infrastructure.  Nonetheless, there’s a responsibility on the part of Israel to do everything possible to protect that infrastructure, and certainly not to destroy it.  So that’s, again, something that we have and will continue to take up with the government. And as I’ve said from the outset, from these now four months since October 7th, when we have important questions that we’re pursuing, important needs that we’re pursuing – when it comes to humanitarian assistance, when it comes to civilian protection, when it comes to any other aspect of this – it’s an ongoing conversation, an ongoing dialogue.  And sometimes you don’t get results immediately, flipping a light switch.  It’s a process; we’re at it every single day.  And I believe the engagements that we’ve had, the interventions we’ve made, the work that we’ve done, has made a real difference over these past four months – both in terms of humanitarian assistance and civilian protection.  Having said that, the suffering of civilians in Gaza – men, women, and children – remains heartbreaking, and it animates us to do everything we can to try to ensure the best we can that the right steps are being taken to protect civilians and to make sure that they’re getting the assistance that they need.  Let me leave it at that. FOREIGN MINISTER António:  (Via interpreter) Thank you very much for your question.  With regard to the relationship with Russia, China, and the U.S., first of all I would like to say that Angola is a country that is open to the world.  Maybe I should borrow a word by Mr. Blinken during a visit to West African countries.  He said that in a country that needs so much that everybody has a space to cooperate with that country.  I can’t recall which country was that, but Mr. Blinken is here, can testify to that.  So this also applies to the Republic of Angola.  And knowing our history, in terms of the development and transformation that we want to bring about in this country, but all partnerships that can fit into our needs and our policy in terms of our developmental policy are welcome.  With regard to the fact to which extent the war between Russia and Ukraine affect our relationships, we know that the premises for establishing diplomatic relations are well known, (inaudible) – mutual respect, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.  These are the basic principles in the relation with Angola, the Republic of Congo, Angola with South Africa, Angola with Russia, or Angola with the United States of America.  These are base principle of all diplomatic relations.  And in these relationship, we can have also different standpoints in our relations.  And we believe as Angola that the best friends are the one who tells the truth, and I believe I could stop here and say that the difference that might exist in our relationship with one or another are applicable to this old adage, saying that the best friend is the one who tells the true.  Where we think that the principle that we’ve just mentioned – or the principles that I’ve mentioned – are not being upheld, and we had to warn our friends.  So this is the way that I’m trying to summarize my response.  With regard to the first question, this is an aspect that I’ve already mentioned.  I had the privilege of borrowing Mr. Antony’s statement on the need of having partnership.  And maybe we should think deeper.  I think it’s wrong when our interpretation for partnership development falls into temptation of saying, “You must leave for me to get in.”  That’s wrong, because in political terms, this could be misinterpreted.  It looks like the partner that we’re going to have has to be under dominion of somebody else, whereas the world lives on complementarity, and this complementarity has various development levels.  Let me just give an example.  Maybe the structure of Angola’s foreign trade with the U.S. might not be the same as that of foreign trade between Angola with Japan, or U.S. with Japan – because the level of development is different.  And in this difference, we will try to find solution for the needs for our development.  So I think we need to think out of the box and not get stuck into those paradigms that are no longer valid in this world of complementarity.  Thank you very much. SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you, everyone. MODERATOR:  (Via interpreter) Excellencies, thank you very much for your responses.  The – journalists, we have come to the close of our press conference.  Thank you very much for having come, and wish you a very good afternoon. Tags Angola Bureau of African Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip

Australia National Day

01/25/2024

Australia National Day 01/25/2024 01:56 PM EST Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the American people, I extend heartfelt best wishes to all Australians around the world for Australia Day, January 26. The U.S.-Australia relationship is based on an unbreakable foundation of common values, beliefs, and aspirations. We share a commitment to democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law. Our societies are enriched by the wisdom of our respective First Nations peoples and the generations of immigrants who have sought to build a better life for their families. We both want the same things for the Indo-Pacific region and the world – peace, openness, stability and prosperity. The friendship the U.S. and Australia enjoys, along with our clear sense of common purpose, have only deepened in the past year. From launching the Climate, Critical Minerals, and Clean Energy Transformation Compact; to deepening our economic, technology, and innovation cooperation; to bolstering our defense and security ties including through AUKUS; to delivering for our partners in the Pacific; to expanding collaboration between our First Nations citizens: our alliance has never been stronger and more important. The United States looks forward to working even more closely together across the full range of global challenges in the years ahead, and to enhancing the ties of goodwill and cooperation between the diverse peoples of Australia and the United States. Americans know that, in Australia, they have one of their dearest friends, one of their staunchest allies, and one of their closest partners. On this occasion of both celebration and reflection, I wish our mates in Australia a happy and safe Australia Day. ..read more part 2:https://politikinewsaaa.blogspot.com/2024/02/us-department-of-state-update-part-2.html