Praia, Cape Verde—During his visit to the port of Praia, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his admiration for Cape Verde’s pivotal role as a gateway to Africa for nations across the globe, including the United States.
Highlighting the significance of the port, Secretary Blinken emphasized the substantial investment made by the United States through the Millennium Challenge Corporation to modernize and expand its capacity. This investment has resulted in a significant increase in the number of ships the port can accommodate, improved operational efficiency, enhanced storage capacity, and ultimately fostered stronger economic ties with Africa.
Notably, the port’s expansion project has generated employment opportunities within Cape Verde and has contributed to positioning the country as a burgeoning tourism and cruise destination. Secretary Blinken underscored Cape Verde’s unique distinction as the only nation to have successfully concluded two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts and outlined plans for a third compact, emphasizing its focus on regional connectivity and economic integration within West Africa.
Emphasizing the United States’ unwavering commitment to Africa, Secretary Blinken reiterated President Biden’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships with the continent. He highlighted the significance of the U.S.-Africa relationship, which was a central theme of the Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, underscoring the continued efforts to uphold the commitments and agreements reached during the summit.
Secretary Blinken concluded by reaffirming President Biden’s conviction that the future of the United States and Africa is intertwined, culminating in a resounding message that the United States is fully committed to its partnership with Africa.
The Secretary’s visit to Cape Verde marks the beginning of a significant trip to Africa, with scheduled stops in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola. This visit underscores the United States’ prioritization of its African partnerships and signifies a strong dedication to mutual collaboration and growth.
