President of the United States of America, H.E Barack Obama
President Obama is to host the first ever US-Africa Leaders’ Summit from August 4 to 6, 2014 in Washington DC.
It is aimed at strengthening the already existing strong relationship between the Unites States and Africa.
The summit, which is under the theme; “Investing in the next generation”, is expected to advance President Obama’s administration’s focus on trade and investment in Africa.
Ms. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs in Washington DC told a press briefing via telephone at the US embassy in Accra that, the summit will attract 50 African heads of state, members of the African Civil Society, Business Leaders, Young African Leaders, members of Congress and members of the administration in Washington DC.
She said it will be an extra ordinary and fruitful discussion, which will also discuss issues on peace, security, human rights, good governance, sustainable agriculture and economic development of Africa and its people, since the United States has a huge number of African people in the diaspora.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield told the press that Africa is seen as a fast growing region despite issues of conflict and the US is interested in investing in the region to create job opportunities for both people of Africa and the United States of America.
She noted that the summit is also likely to touch on the outbreak of Ebola virus in three African countries as well as on anti-gayism.
Ms. Thomas-Greenland said the summit will highlight the depth and breadth of the United States’ commitment to the African continent, advance our shared priorities and enable discussion of concrete ideas to deepen the partnership.
Mr. Grant T. Harris, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs said the summit will build the capacity of the African leaders and look at how to provide the needed opportunities for Africa’s future generation and make concrete gains in economic development and the development of its people.
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend the summit.
Source: GNA
