Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, is scheduled to visit Nigeria next week as part of his tour of several African countries from January 21 to 26, 2024.
The tour will also include visits to Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, and Cape Verde.
According to a statement issued by the U.S Department of State’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, Blinken’s trip aims to highlight the accelerated U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. This partnership spans various areas, including climate, food, and health security.
The Department emphasized that the Secretary will underscore the future-focused economic partnership of the United States and how it is investing in African infrastructure to boost two-way trade, create jobs both at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.
During the visit, Blinken is expected to advance security partnerships based on shared values, such as respect for human rights, the promotion of democracy, and the expansion of the rule of law.
The Secretary will reaffirm the U.S. commitment to coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. Additionally, he will address regional challenges in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), support African leadership in de-escalating tensions, and adopt diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties and cooperation between the United States and the African nations on various fronts, including economic development, security, and regional stability.
