US President Barack Obama says there is need for a new model of partnership between Africa and America.
When he addressed about 47 Heads of State and Government at the opening session of the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC on Wednesday, Mr Obama emphasised the need for a new model of partnership between Africa and America.
President Obama described Africa and America as equals that needed to focus on Africa’s capacity to solve problems and to grow.
He appreciated the valuable contributions made by the faith community whom he said had helped sustain US-Africa relations.
Mr Obama said the faith community reminded the world of its inherent dignity of every human being and the need to be rooted in empathy and compassion for all.
The US president said there was need to look at the opportunity to expand trade that could create jobs and new trade deals which he said was an important step to accelerate investment.
He said leaders at the summit would look at the area of strengthening governance upon which economic growth and free societies depended.
Mr Obama further said deepening security cooperation against common threats was an important topic that needed to be discussed at the summit, which is the first of its kind to be hosted by an American president.
Meanwhile, President Obama held a news conference last evening as the three-day US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC drew to a close.
Mr Obama said African leaders at the summit pledged to step up efforts in pursuing reforms that attracted investment, reduced barriers that stifled trade and to promote regional integration.
He said the US would also increase support to help build Africa’s capacity to trade with itself and the world.
Mr Obama also recognised the need to empower women if any meaningful development was to take place in Africa.
The summit, which started on Monday this week, ended on Wednesday with African leaders optimistic about their partnership with America. – ZANIS