U.S. President Joe Biden has announced plans to make an official visit to Africa in February, following the U.S. presidential election in November. The announcement, which suggests confidence in his re-election against Republican rival Donald Trump, was made as Biden welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House for a two-day meeting and state dinner.
“I plan on going in February after I am reelected,” Biden stated, marking the potential visit as a significant part of his post-election agenda.
Senior administration officials revealed that Biden and Ruto’s discussions would cover a wide array of topics, including trade, debt relief, and the future of international issues such as the situations in Haiti, Ukraine, and Sudan.
In addition to his planned visit to Kenya, Biden hinted at a potential trip to Angola during a meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco in late November, though no specific date was mentioned.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed Biden’s intention to visit Africa, expressing the president’s anticipation for the trip but withholding any formal announcement.
Despite the emphasis on Africa’s significance in global matters, Biden has faced criticism for not visiting the continent during his presidency. However, more than two dozen senior officials from his administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have made visits to various African nations, highlighting the administration’s ongoing engagement with the continent.
Melissa Enoch
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