42nd Anniversary of Africa Day

42nd Anniversary of Africa Day

The United States is honored to commemorate the 42nd Anniversary of Africa Day.

The United States enjoys a dynamic partnership with African countries and regional organizations to support democracy, expand economic prosperity, combat terrorism, and resolve conflict. We are committed to working closely with the African Union and welcome its role as a force for positive change across Africa. Other African regional organizations are playing important roles to foster peace, growth, and regional organization. For example, Deputy Secretary Zoellick will travel to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) regional economic summit in Kigali, Rwanda on June 2 to consult with heads of state from regional East African nations regarding key issues. We strongly support The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) as a framework for Africans to achieve a democratic, prosperous future.

The United States looks forward to maintaining and enhancing our partnership with Africa to help the continent achieve its enormous promise. The historic African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has opened U.S. markets to thousands of products from Africa, and President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has a major focus on Africa. The Millennium Challenge Account will target many countries in Africa to promote economic development by harnessing the energy of the private sector.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/554 Released on May 25, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 25, 2005