In his first major foreign policy speech following his inauguration as 46th President of the United States of America on January 20, 2021, President Joe R. Biden immediately set on the path to restore America’s enviable standing within the comity of nations by declaring: “America is back. Diplomacy is back…renewing our role in international institutions and reclaiming our credibility and moral authority.” In fulfilment of that promise, President Biden has now committed his government’s support to the continent of Africa, saying the US remains ready to be Africa’s partner in solidarity, support and mutual respect.
Making the declaration Saturday, February 7, 2021 during the 34th Summit of the African Union, President Joe Biden said the American people believe in the nations of Africa, and their continent-wide spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.
“None of it will be easy. But the United States stands ready to be your partner, in solidarity, support, and mutual respect. We believe in the nations of Africa. In the continent-wide spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. And though the challenges are great, there is no doubt that our nations, our people, and the African Union are up to this task,” Mr. Biden stressed.
The newly elected American president, whose rise to fame defied all odds, exemplary of the typical struggles of most budding African democracies, also spoke of the challenges that the AU new administration faces along with the rest of the world, in ensuring a far better global community.
“This past year has also shown us how interconnected our world is – and how our fates are bound up together. That’s why my administration is committed to rebuilding our partnerships around the world and re-engaging with international institutions like the African Union.
“We must all work together to advance our shared vision of a better future. A future of growing trade and investment that advances the prosperity of all our nations. A future that advances lives of peace and security for all our citizens. A future committed to investing in our democratic institutions and promoting the human rights of all people — women and girls, LGBTQI individuals, people with disabilities, and people of every ethnic background, religion, and heritage,” Mr. Biden said.
In order to reach the envisioned future, Mr. Biden said all citizens of the world must also confront the serious challenges that they face.
“That includes investing more in global health— defeating COVID-19 and working to prevent, detect, and respond to future public health crises, and partnering with the Africa CDC and other institutions to advance health security. Raising our climate ambitions and ensuring developing nations can mitigate and adapt to the climate impacts that are already causing pain. And engaging in sustained diplomacy, in concert with the African Union, to address conflicts that are costing lives across the African continent. None of it will be easy. But the United States stands ready to be your partner, in solidarity, support, and mutual respect,” President Biden stated emphatically, while noting, that the US believes in the nations of Africa and its continent-wide spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.
“And though the challenges are great, there is no doubt that our nations, our people, and the African Union are up to this task,” Biden enthused.
The AU 34th Summit commenced February 6-7, 2021 as President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo took over the Chairperson of the African Union for 2021 from Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.