16 February 2008
Benin Visit Symbolizes U.S. Commitment to Africa
Bush is first U.S. president to visit Benin
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania -- President Bush's arrival in Cotonou, Benin -- the first stop on his historic five-nation Africa tour -- symbolizes the U.S. commitment to improving peoples’ lives all across the continent. Bush is the first U.S. president ever to visit Benin.
Speaking with President Thomas Yayi Boni at Cadjehoun International Airport, Bush said he chose to visit Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia because it is “in our national interest to support the people of nations -- even though we may not [have] had relations with them in the past -- particularly those nations in which the leadership and the government makes a firm commitment to the investment in its people, fighting corruption, marketplace economies."
"My trip here is to remind future presidents and future Congresses that it is in our national interests and in the moral interests of the United States of America to help people,” he said.
In his comments, President Yayi praised Bush for visiting Benin and said it comes as a follow-up to talks both leaders had at the White House on December 14, 2006. Yayi said both he and Bush had “very fruitful exchanges” during their brief meetings in Cotonou.
Both nations, Yayi said, are united in “excellent relations.”
“As you know,” Yayi noted, “during his two terms in office, President Bush showed great concern for Africa, its well-being and the development of his people.” He praised Bush in particular for the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the Africa Education Initiative, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and for initiatives that help in the empowerment of women.
Yayi said his country also is benefiting from the Millennium Challenge Account initiative and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Both leaders also talked about issues of cooperation and conflict situations in Africa, Benin’s participation in peacekeeping operations and reform of the United Nations system.
Bush praised Yayi for believing “that all human beings deserve dignity that people need a government that responds to their desires and wishes." Bush said he had "come bringing the warm friendship of the people of the United States" and reaffirming "our desire to help strengthen your democracy by helping the people here realize their God-given talents.”
Bush also praised his Beninese counterpart for his dedication to ensuring that every child has an anti-malarial, insecticide-treated bed net. “We can save lives with an aggressive, comprehensive strategy,” he said, in reference to the PMI and Yayi’s dedication on the issue. The use of specially treated bed nets has been shown to reduce sickness and death caused by malaria.
Additionally, Bush praised Yayi for his equal dedication to education. “You know what I know -- that a nation can’t be a hopeful place unless its youth are educated, so I am very pleased to be working with you to expand educational opportunities for the people of your country,” he said. Through the Africa Education Initiative, Bush said, the United States has helped train about 30,000 teachers in Benin and provide 1 million textbooks that have helped young girls get a good education.
“We are going to spend about another $6 million on these efforts only because you are focused and your government is dedicated to making sure the money is spent well and wisely,” he said.
On the Millennium Challenge Account, Bush said the United States has been “more than pleased” to provide $307 million over five years to help the country develop, which has touched the lives of about five million people and help thousands more get out of poverty.
He also praised the Yayi government in its fight against corruption. “One of the reasons I have come here, sir, is because leaders around the world have got to understand that the United States wants to partner with leaders and the people, but we are not going to do so with people who steal money.”
Bush said this state trip was designed to herald success in Africa that would help others realize what is possible. He acknowledged the crisis in Kenya and the Darfur region of Sudan.
“Sudan is a very difficult situation which we have labeled a genocide,” he said.
On Kenya, Bush said the situation is significant and he is sending Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the country February 18. There Rice will assist with former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s initiative and deliver a message to end the violence and create a power-sharing agreement.
While in Benin, Bush was presented with the Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin. Both President Bush and first lady Laura Bush were greeted with a military band and honor guard upon their arrival.
A transcript of a joint press availability with Presidents Bush and Yayi is available on America.gov.
