IN a joint press conference held in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unveiled the United States’ intention to increase investments in Africa’s health sector. Emphasising the goal of job creation and public health improvement, Blinken expressed the belief that Africa has played a significant role in shaping the world’s past, present, and future.
‘We are focusing our attention on accelerating economic growth in Africa. American entrepreneurs and industries will invest in Nigeria, in Africa,’ declared Blinken during the press conference, highlighting the commitment to fostering economic development on the continent.
Secretary Blinken, who had a bilateral meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and senior officials, discussed a range of crucial topics, including economic partnership, military cooperation, democracy strengthening, the fight against corruption, climatic issues, and institutional growth.
Commending the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by President Tinubu, Blinken acknowledged their role in advocating for the return of constitutional order to Niger after the coup on July 26, 2023.
Responding to a question on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Blinken affirmed the US commitment to recognising the territorial integrity of Gaza and Palestine.
Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar assured that the country would collaborate with the US on common grounds, acknowledging differences on the Israel-Gaza crisis. The commitment to work together underscores the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Secretary Blinken’s visit to Nigeria marks the third leg of his four-nation tour in Africa, which also included stops in Cape Verde and Cote d’Ivoire. The week-long tour aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and collaboration, with the final destination scheduled to be Angola on Thursday.