US President Biden greets AU Summit on Africa re-engagement strategy
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - US President Joe Biden, has greeted the 34th session of the African Union Heads of State and Government, saying Washington is willing to re-engage international institutions after the global experience with the coronavirus pandemic.
In video remarks addressed to the 34th African Union Summit, which was recorded on Tuesday, 2 February and aired to the participants of the Summit on Friday, 5 February, the US President outlined his strategy for Africa.
He said: "I am honoured to send the best wishes of the people of the United States in advance to the 34th African Union Summit. This past year has also shown us how interconnected our world is – and how our fates are bound together."
President Biden said the US government under his administration is committed to rebuilding new partnerships around the world and re-engaging with international institutions like the African Union.
"We must all work together to advance our shared vision of a better future. A future of growing trade and investment that advances the prosperity of all our nations. A future that advances lives of peace and security for all our citizens," President Biden said.
The US President's speech came as African leaders meeting virtually and with a few in-person attendees, kicked off the 34th session of the AU Summit, vowing to make the African dream of silencing the guns a reality in the continent.
In his address, however, President Biden said he looked forward to a "future committed to investing in our democratic institutions and promoting the human rights of all people—women and girls."
President Biden also emphasized his administration's support for the same sex marriage and gay rights (LGBTQI) individuals, people with disabilities, and people of every ethnic background, religion and heritage.
"To reach this future, we must also confront the serious challenges we face," he said.
The US President also called for investments in global health — defeating COVID-19 and working to prevent, detect, and respond to future public health crises, and partnering with the Africa CDC and other institutions to advance health security.
President Biden also addressed the Summit on other pressing issues, including the need to raise "our climate ambitions and ensuring developing nations can mitigate and adapt to the climate impacts that are already causing pain."
He said the US will be working on engaging in sustained diplomacy, in concert with the African Union, to address conflicts that are costing lives across the African continent.
"None of it will be easy. But the United States stands ready to be your partner, in solidarity, support, and mutual respect. We believe in the nations of Africa. In the continent-wide spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation," President Biden said.
He said even though the challenges were greater, there was no doubt that our nations, our people, and the African Union are up to this task.
During the Summit, outgoing AU Chairman President Cyril Ramaphosa, called for the creation of a high-level Presidential commission to champion peace and protection of women and children in conflict.
In his speech, the AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, regretted the growing threat of terrorism and political instability caused by election contests.
During the Summit, the African leaders hailed the Africa Centre for Disease Control for its consistent effort to improve response to the coronavirus pandemic in Africa.
The Summit also singled out the Africa CDC Director, John Nkengasong, for his "sterling" performance during the pandemic.
-0- PANA AO/VAO 6Feb2021
