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Transcript/ScriptUS BLINKEN AFRICA
HEADLINE: Blinken Touts US as Reliable Partner in Africa
TEASER: Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up a tour of 4 countries in Africa, saying America is ready to be a reliable, honest partner for a future benefiting both continents
PUBLISHED AT: 1/25/2024 at 7:37p
BYLINE: Cindy Saine
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SCRIPT EDITORS: Reifenrath, sb
VIDEO SOURCES: Reuters, AP, AFP, ZOOM
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TRT: 2:54
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((INTRO: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up a four-country tour of democracy-supporting countries in Africa, meeting with Angolan leaders to highlight increasing cooperation on a railway infrastructure project. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.))
((NARRATOR))
Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his tour of Africa Thursday, saying the U.S. seeks more common ground and a shared future with democratic countries on the continent, including Angola.
((Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State))
"At the White House in November, [U.S.] President [Joe] Biden reaffirmed to [Angolan] President [João Manuel Gonçalves] Lourenco 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.”
((NARRATOR))
In Angola's capital, Blinken reviewed what he said was faster-than-expected work on the Lobito Corridor railway, connecting the country with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. It is the most ambitious U.S. infrastructure project on a continent
where China has long been engaged in similar massive endeavors, says Africa expert Terry McCulley with the United States Institute of Peace.
((Terry McCulley, United States Institute of Peace)) ((Zoom))
“The U.S. is investing significantly in Angola. The Lobito Corridor project, which will link Angola to DRC and Zambia, is the largest U.S. public investment in Africa in decades. And I think that's a signal that the U.S. wants to be engaged in a strong partner of African countries.”
((NARRATOR))
McCulley says the United States aims to show that it is a long-term partner at a time when Russia is ramping up its security ties with military-run states in Africa and China is expanding its footprint through investment in infrastructure.
((Terry McCulley, United States Institute of Peace)) ((Zoom))
"You see a resurgence in Russian efforts to (have) influence in Africa, particularly through disinformation campaigns. China, obviously, is a very important player on the African continent. And let's be honest, the Africans value that relationship because China and Chinese companies have contributed a lot to the infrastructure needed, [to] infrastructure projects that are essential for development.”
((NARRATOR))
Asked about partnering with the U.S. as opposed to Russia and China, Angola’s foreign minister, Téte António, had a diplomatic answer, saying, “The best friend is the one that tells the truth.”
Blinken also praised Angola’s peace efforts on the continent.
((Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State))
"Angola is trusted by all sides. President Lourenco's leadership is vital for a breakthrough.”
((NARRATOR))
President Joe Biden has said he is eager to visit Africa, but Blinken noted that the U.S. election imposes time constraints on him this year.
((Cindy Saine, VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJanuary 25, 2024 23:45 EST
Byline
Cindy Saine, VOA News
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
