Obama Wants Increased Trade, Jobs for Africa
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Date: 6/29/2013 10:34:35 AM
Sender: VOA
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U.S. President Barack Obama and South African President Jacob Zuma address a press conference following their meeting at Union Building in Pretoria, South Africa, June 29, 2013.
JOHANNESBURG — U.S. President Barack Obama and South African President Jacob Zuma held wide-ranging talks Saturday covering Africa＇s economic and democratic progress, remaining challenges, and regional and global issues. The condition of former South African leader Nelson Mandela was a key topic.
In their talks and a lengthy news conference, the two presidents discussed topics ranging from the U.S. role in supporting Africa＇s economic and democratic progress, to African-led solutions to ongoing conflicts.
Earlier, the White House put to rest speculation about any Obama visit with the 94-year-old Mandela. Obama met privately with members of the Mandela family.
Obama said Mandela＇s personal courage and South Africa＇s historic transition are a personal inspiration to him and to the world.
“The outpouring of love that we have seen in recent days shows that the triumph of Nelson Mandela and this nation speaks to something very deep in the human spirit, the yearning for justice and dignity that transcends boundaries of race and class and faith and country,” Obama said.
President Zuma spoke about the personal and historic bonds between Obama and Nelson Mandela.
"The two of you are also bound by history as the first black presidents of your respective countries," said Zuma. "Thus you both carry the dreams of millions of people in Africa, and in the diaspora who were previously oppressed.”
Obama and President Zuma discussed the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the political situation in Zimbabwe, U.S. investment in South Africa and efforts against HIV/AIDS.
President Zuma voiced concern about what he called the “mushrooming of rebel movements” in some African nations, calling this a threat to hard-won peace in many countries.
On Zimbabwe, where an election is due to take place in July, Zuma urged further relaxation of U.S. sanctions.
President Obama said bad governance led to an economic disaster in Zimbabwe, adding that elections there scheduled for next month must be credible.
“We agreed that the harassment of citizens and groups needs to stop and reforms need to move forward so the people of Zimbabwe can cast their votes in elections that are free, and fair and credible," Obama said.
President Obama praised South Africa＇s role in the African Union and regional mediation efforts.
Another topic was Obama＇s vision for enhanced U.S. economic engagement and trade with Africa.
Obama said the U.S. does not feel threatened by aggressive investment by China and other countries, but he urged Africans to carefully consider what they are getting from investment partners.
“Make sure it is a good deal for Africa," said Obama. "Somebody says they want to come build something here, are they hiring African workers? Somebody says they want to help you develop your natural resources, how much of the money is staying in Africa?”
President Zuma said Africa, which is now firmly a part of globalization, should not be told which countries it choose to be involved with when it comes to investment.
On the situation in Egypt, President Obama said the U.S. is watching the situation there closely and ensuring its diplomats and facilities are protected. He called for restraint without violence.
Obama also commented on his decision not to add Kenya to his Africa itinerary, saying the timing was not right when Kenyans are still working at issues with the “international community.”
Kenya＇s president and deputy president are facing trials at the International Criminal Court linked to violence that followed the 2007 elections.
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