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Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State for the United States, is scheduled to embark on a trip to Nigeria, Angola, Cabo Verde, and Cote d’Ivoire in the upcoming week.
The US Mission in Abuja issued a press statement on Thursday, announcing that Blinken’s visit will take place from January 21-26, 2024. During his journey, the Secretary will emphasize the progress made in the US-Africa partnership since the US-Africa Leaders Summit, particularly in the areas of climate, food, and health security.
Furthermore, he will underscore the United States’ commitment to fostering a future-oriented economic alliance, highlighting investments in African infrastructure to enhance bilateral trade, generate employment opportunities both domestically and on the continent, and bolster Africa’s competitiveness in the global market.
Additionally, Blinken will prioritize the advancement of security partnerships based on shared values, including the promotion of democracy, respect for human rights, and the expansion of the rule of law.
The statement further emphasized that the US will reinforce its commitment to the coastal West African partners by implementing the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. Additionally, the US will continue its partnership with the Economic Community of West African States to effectively address regional challenges.
Furthermore, the US will actively support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and seeking diplomatic resolutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In November 2021, Blinken paid a visit to Nigeria, during which he held discussions with the former Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama. During this visit, Blinken commended the growing collaboration between Nigeria and the US and emphasized the significance of cooperation between the two nations.
