US Secretary of State Blinken to embark on diplomatic tour to Nigeria
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is set to embark on a diplomatic tour to Nigeria, Angola, Cabo Verde, and Cote d’Ivoire next week.
According to a press statement from the US Mission in Abuja on Thursday, Blinken’s trip is scheduled to take place from January 21-26, 2024.
During his travels, the Secretary plans to underscore the intensified US-Africa partnership following the US-Africa Leaders Summit. This will encompass key areas such as climate, food, and health security.
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“He will also emphasise our future-focused 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, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law.
“He will reaffirm US commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States to address regional challenges, and US efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the statement added.
Blinken previously visited Nigeria in November 2021, where he met with the former Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, and expressed admiration for the deepening collaboration between Nigeria and the US while emphasising the significance of cooperation.
