US to deepen ties with Africa

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs on Thursday hinted that the US government intends to deepen relations with its counterpart on the African continent.

She also stated that the US would continue to provide support for democracy and the strengthening of democratic institutions on the continent to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

Ms Thomas-Greenfield made the comment during an interaction with students and media men via Satellite link to the US Embassy in Accra.

Her interaction with the students and media personnel from Africa is the first since she was confirmed by the Senate on August 1, 2013 and sworn in on August 6, as the new Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

Ms Thomas-Greenfield noted that the US would continue to promote the African economic development through the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forums.

She said the AGOA initiative have provided African countries the opportunity to export their products to the US market.

She however stated that the power to extend the AGOA initiative for few more years lies solely with the US Congress to decide.

Ms Thomas-Greenfield further noted that the US government is actively working with various African countries to ensure conflict prevention, mitigation and resolution.

She said despite the problem of racial issues in the US the constitution provides the means of addressing some of these issues.

She noted that the US would continue to support the Presidential initiatives by President Obama, such as the Global Health Initiative, Feed the Future, and the Global Climate Change Initiative.

She said the US government would work with African nations on transnational issues such as drug smuggling, money laundering, illicit arms, and trafficking in persons.

Source: GNA