Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. We are deeply concerned by the dangerous and deteriorating situation in Cote d'Ivoire, including recent reports of gross human rights abuses and potential massacres in the west. The United States calls on former President Laurent Gbagbo to step down immediately. His continuing refusal to cede power to the rightful winner of the November 2010 elections, Alassane Ouattara, has led to open violence in the streets, chaos in Abidjan and throughout the country, and serious human rights violations. Gbagbo is pushing Cote d'Ivoire into lawlessness. The path forward is clear. He must leave now so the conflict may end. Both parties bear responsibility to respect the rights and ensure the safety of the citizens of Cote d'Ivoire.

We also call on the forces of President Ouattara to respect the rules of war and stop attacks on civilians. President Ouattara's troops must live up to the ideals and vision articulated by their elected leader. At the same time, we call on the UN peacekeeping mission to aggressively enforce its mandate to protect civilians.

As President Ouattara takes the reins of government, he must prevent his troops from carrying out reprisals and revenge attacks against their former foes. The people of Cote d'Ivoire await and deserve the peace, security, and prosperity he has promised, and that they have for so long been denied.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer my deepest congratulations to the people of the Republic of Niger on the inauguration of your newly-elected President and Parliament.

This historic moment marks Niger's return to constitutional and democratic rule. The people of Niger exercised their right to choose their government in a free and fair election. President Mahamadou Issoufou and all Members of Parliament now have the opportunity to strengthen Niger's democratic institutions, protect the rights of its people, and expand the tenets of democracy to benefit all of Niger's citizens.

The United States is committed to Niger's future. We look forward to working with those leaders who promote democratic principles to advance the well-being, development, and security of the Nigerien people.

President Barack Obama delivered this statement in Washington, DC

President Obama. The United States welcomes the decisive turn of events in Cote d'Ivoire, as former President Laurent Gbagbo's illegitimate claim to power has finally come to an end. This represents a victory for the democratic will of the Ivoirian people, who have suffered for far too long through the instability that followed their election. Today, the people of Cote d'Ivoire have the chance to begin to reclaim their country, solidify their democracy, and rebuild a vibrant economy that taps the extraordinary potential of the Ivoirian people.

In the four months that have passed since Alassane Ouattara was elected President, the United States and international community have strongly supported the results of Cote d'Ivoire's democratic election, and the right of the Ivoirian people to determine their own destiny. These results came after several years of support by the international community for Cote d'Ivoire's peace and democratic processes. The United Nations Security Council, members of the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECO WAS) have all worked to advance the goal of a democratic Cote d'Ivoire in which the rule of the people is stronger than the rule of one man. The United States commends the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire and French forces for the actions that they have taken to protect civilians.

For President Ouattara and the people of Cote d'Ivoire, the hard work of reconciliation and rebuilding must begin now. President Ouattara will need to govern on behalf of all the people of Cote d'Ivoire, including those who did not vote for him. All militia groups should lay down their weapons and recognize an inclusive military that protects all citizens under the authority of President Ouattara. The victims and survivors of violence deserve accountability for the violence and crimes that have been committed against them. The international community must continue to support the people of Cote d'Ivoire as they turn the page to a more hopeful and democratic future. In that effort, a democratic Cote d'Ivoire that respects the rights of its people will always have a friend in the United States of America.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send our sincere condolences and sympathy to the people of Namibia for the loss of life and damage caused by the flooding in northern Namibia. The U.S. Embassy in Windhoek has offered immediate disaster relief assistance to help provide essential items to those who have been affected by the floods. The United States also has sent disaster response and food security experts to the affected regions to help assess the current situation, and we are working closely with the Namibian Government to provide additional help if needed.

The United States is proud to have assisted the Namibian people each time the Namibian government has declared a disaster, and we will continue to do so. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Namibia during this difficult time.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I applaud the people of Nigeria for their enthusiastic and orderly participation in the April 16^th presidential election. This historic event marks a dramatic shift from decades of failed elections and a substantial improvement over the 2007 presidential election.

While this election was a success for the people of Nigeria, it was far from perfect. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to transparently review and take appropriate and transparent action on all allegations of “under-age” voters, violence and intimidation, ballot stuffing, and inordinately high turnout in some areas of the country. The United States condemns the acts of violence related to elections and we call upon all candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the results of the election and channel any grievances or challenges peacefully through established, administrative and legal redress. The international community will closely watch the upcoming gubernatorial elections and we call on all Nigerian stakeholders to support a credible and peaceful electoral process.

We commend the Independent National Electoral Commission and Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega along with many others across government and civil society for their strong collaboration and dedication to democracy. They provided a real opportunity for the Nigerian people to select their most senior leaders and will position Nigeria to build its democracy through strong governance, transparent institutions, and economic development. The United States congratulates President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his election and wishes him well in meeting the many challenges facing Nigeria and in providing the good governance Nigerians deserve. This election represents a positive new beginning for Nigeria.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Rupiah Banda delivered these remarks in Lusaka, Zambia

President Banda. Thank you. Thank you very much. I would like to take this opportunity, once again, to welcome you to Zambia and your delegation and to tell you how happy we are that you were able to come to the AGOA forum in our country and that we're able to receive you here, the guest of honor, and all the Americans who have come here to participate with the African commonwealth in this forum.

With regard to our country, Zambia, I think that the (inaudible). We hope that you will come here some more times. And I'm sure that the Zambian people are very happy to see you in person. Our country is going through a very exciting period in terms of the economy. We believe that as a result of our mining activities, our agricultural activities, our tourism, for our country's (inaudible) transformation. And, yes, so happy that you came. As (inaudible) American brothers and sisters so we can work together, transform our country.

I'd like also to remind you, it is a very special year for Zambia. When you say 2011, every Zambian knows what you are about to talk about, namely that this is our election year. And I can assure your Excellency and all your colleagues that we're very proud and impressed that, since 1964, when we had our independence, to date we have had good and fair and free and transparent elections. Of course, the country has grown, for the election has moved from three million plus in 1964 to 13 million now. The economy itself has grown, but, of course, the problems have increased.

The opposition parties also have increased. We have many of our countrymen challenging us in this election, as it should be. It is their right and good for the country that we should have open (inaudible), and that's when we start showing excellence, in that real elections will be held within the next few months and that they will be transparent, that we will work with all our collaborating partners, including the United States, to ensure that these elections are free and fair and transparent and held in a peaceful atmosphere.

We will have the little hiccups; when we (inaudible) violence. I personally made sure that I went to court to challenge the results of one these elections where the most violence was observed. This is the— in the northwestern province. And my reason for going to court was in order that the courts should pronounce themselves, which they did, against violence. It doesn't serve anybody any good, and the Zambians should know better. We are surrounded by some of our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have violence, and for now we are struggling to win back on their dreams. So we do need more peaceful—and I want to assure your Excellency we are going to continue to work with you and all other countries to ensure peace on our continent.

So if I may be allowed to pause here so that you can ask questions later.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much, Mr. President, for the warm welcome to Zambia. And I also want to acknowledge Mrs. Banda, who was with me earlier as we celebrated the African Women's Entrepreneurship Program, which Zambia has agreed to host. We just attended the closing ceremony of the AGOA forum, and I want to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your government, for hosting such a successful conference. Ambassador Ron Kirk, our trade representative, has told me, and in our meeting with you repeated, what he said about how successfully organized and executed this conference was. I'm looking forward also tomorrow to helping launch the Zambia-U.S. Chamber of Commerce that will help to create more jobs in both of our countries.

We've always valued our partnership with you, globally and regionally, as well as bilaterally. Zambia has joined the United States and the international community in many principled stands in support of human dignity, freedom of speech and religion, and the fight against nuclear proliferation. I particularly want to thank Zambia for joining in the international community's strong stance on behalf of the rights of the people of Syria and Iran at the Human Rights Council.

The United States also values your role as a regional leader. Since your independence, Zambia has been a bulwark for southern Africa, and you have evolved into a strong advocate for peace, stability, and tolerance across the region. Thank you for hosting thousands, hundreds of thousands of refugees, including many Angolans who seek refuge and peace inside your country. Thank you for supporting calls to stop state-sponsored violence, including in Zimbabwe. Thank you for supporting a peaceful transition in Madagascar.

When the people of Zambia adopted multi-party democracy in 1991, you sent a powerful message to Africa and the world: Political leaders are answerable and accountable to their people, not the other way around. Candidates may express passionate differences in campaigns, but then must accept the people's vote and join together for the sake of the country. And as Zambia approaches another national election, once again, you have the chance to set a model for the rest of the world.

I see many positive (inaudible) on Zambia's resilient state and confidence in your democratic process. As the president has just said, in our meeting we discussed the importance of conducting the upcoming national election peacefully, transparently, fairly, and freely, in a manner that reflects the will of the Zambian people. The president has invited both international and local observers to monitor the election, and during his campaign, he has spoken out repeatedly against election-related violence. That is an important message for all Zambian citizens, including the one million young people voting for the first time. I congratulate Zambia on registering more than 82 percent of your eligible voters.

Too often the news is dominated by what's wrong with Africa, not about what's right. Zambia has shown it is on the right path to tackle its challenges. We have achieved important results together through our close collaboration on health issues, particularly in the fight against HIV and AIDS. And yesterday, the United States joined with other global leaders in calling for action towards eliminating pédiatrie HIV by 2015. We are getting close to the virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Zambia, and we see people living with this disease now increasingly productive lives.

There is a lot of work ahead of us. This is a country that is moving ahead. And, Mr. President, the United States is fully committed to supporting Zambia's progress in the years to come.

Thank you (inaudible).

President Banda. Thank you.

Q. Madam Secretary and Mr. President, is the U.S. trade approach outlined today going to be sufficient to counter growing Chinese influence in Africa? And Madam Secretary, if I may, if you care to address the report that you're considering a move to the World Bank? And if I can squeeze another one in, you spoke to Secretary Gates' comments that NATO is irrelevant unless the U.S. contributes more? And thanks.

Secretary Clinton. Let me also begin by answering the question on China, and then I'll go to the World Bank and then end with Secretary Gates.

China's presence in Africa reflects the reality that it has important and growing interests here on the continent, including access to resources and markets, as well as developing closer diplomatic ties. The United States does not see the Chinese interest as inherently incompatible with our own interest. I told President Obama, and I have made clear on numerous occasions, we do not see China's rise as a zero-sum game. We hope that it will become successful in its own economic efforts on behalf of the Chinese people, and that it will assume a greater and more responsible role in addressing global challenges. Now, we are, however, concerned that as China's foreign assistance and investment practices in Africa have not always been consistent with generally accepted international norms of transparency and good governance, and that it has not always utilized the talents of the African people in pursuing its business interests.

We want to work more closely with China and other countries to make sure that, when we are engaged with Africa, we are doing it in a sustainable manner that will benefit the nations and people of Africa. And therefore, we have begun a dialogue with China about its activities in Africa. We've instructed our missions in Africa to reach out to Chinese colleagues in order to explore potential areas of cooperation and assess China's overall role in their respective countries.

Now secondly, with respect to the World Bank, I have had no discussions with anyone. I have evidenced no interest to anyone. I do not have any interest and am not pursuing that position. It's a very important institution, and obviously we want to see the World Bank well-led. We work closely with the World Bank, but I am absolutely dedicated to my service as Secretary of State. We have a lot of work ahead of us and we are doing all we can to implement the vision of our improved and growing relationships around the world, including right here in Africa, on behalf of our country.

Finally, Secretary Gates's recent remarks underscored how this alliance, the greatest alliance in history, cannot get complacent. We all have to step up and share the burdens that we face in responding to 21st century threats, and many members are doing just that. Every country in the alliance—including, of course, our own—is under financial pressure. We are being asked to cut spending on national security at a time when we are living in an increasingly unpredictable world. And I fully agree with Secretary Gates that we all bear a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our citizens, and that requires that we maintain an adequate investment in defense, and that often we have to bolster our investments in security to face these new threats. Now, as the events in the Middle East and North Africa have shown, we cannot predict where threats will occur and we have to be ready, willing, and able to work together.

But Secretary Gates also underscored his personal commitment, over the course of a very long and distinguished career, to NATO. And as he said, through the challenges that NATO has faced, we have managed to get the big things right time and time again. We've always come together to make the tough decisions. I don't think that's going to change. So we are confident but we are not complacent.

President Banda. Thank you. Can I just say something about the Chinese? The—our country has been in a close relationship with China from those early years before our independence. So we got our independence in 1964 and we worked closely with the Chinese, as indeed with any other country that's supported our desire to be independent. (Inaudible) African countries. And earlier on, after our independence, (inaudible) build another route in the 1940's. So one of the problems that we are facing is the result of the routes to the south. At that time, as we all know, there were problems in South Africa, but there are problems and programs of UBI and Zimbabwe and so on. And so we have always worked with the Chinese.

And then during the recent financial crisis in the world, we were fortunate at the time that the Chinese were still able to continue their appetite for what we were producing here in Kopa. And I think that the whole world benefited from that and we were able to emerge from the financial crisis in the world sooner than later.

I agree with Secretary Clinton that those who wish to come and work with us and invest in our country, and I want to take this opportunity to actually invite everyone to come, and particularly the United States of America, because I know you have the know-how, you have the ability, especially in agriculture, and you have the excess money to take holidays of tourism and in many other places, that Zambia will benefit a great deal. And it's true that our governments are very sensitive about their people. We are very sensitive here in Zambia about employment for our people, how they are treated when they are working in your various institutions. So I agree with Secretary Clinton, but those who come here to do business must respect our laws and must look out for our people in a different manner. And China is managing a very strong economy, and we know that they have done business with everybody. And the United States, we appreciate their being this country that we don't exempt them from making sure that they follow the laws of our country. Thank you.

Q. Good evening. My name is Angela Chishimba from Zambia Daily Now. And just please—and I would like to find out how you rate Zambia's economic performance. And I would also like to find out what assistance you are going to give in terms of skill transfer and capacity building to our Zambian entrepreneurs who are finding it difficult to add value to their goods for export to the U.S. Thank you.

Secretary Clinton. Excellent questions. One of the goals of the AGOA conference this year was to look at ways that the United States could better assist entrepreneurs across the continent, but in particular in Zambia as the host of this very successful conference. At the conference, Ambassador Kirk announced that the United States will be investing significant dollars—I think up to $120 million—to try to assist over the next four years the acquisition of skills, the ability to do business plans, understand how to get into markets, so that we are not just coming and saying we'd like to do business or we're going to just bring Americans here to do business. We want to stimulate more Zambian business.

I also very much appreciate that Zambia has agreed to host the African Women's Entrepreneurship Program, because we have credible evidence that the more women are able to start and (inaudible) businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, the more a country will actually prosper economically.

And finally, Zambia is a country that we are focusing on in our Feed the Future program, which is an effort to cooperate jointly between the United States and Zambia on improving agricultural productivity, creating more value-added products that can be not only exported to the United States but exported within Africa and Asia and everywhere else. So we're quite committed to working with you.

And then finally, tomorrow, I will have the great honor of transferring a pediatric AIDS hospital to the Government of Zambia. We have worked for a number of years in Zambia, and we have seen tremendous progress in the skills of the Zambian health professionals. As I said, we have practically eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV. That is because we, again, have partnered with you. So the United States intends to remain—in fact, we hope even become a better partner in helping to build the economy of Zambia.

Q. Thank you very much.

President Banda. That's pretty good.

Q. Madam Secretary, have you received any assurances from the Chadian foreign ministry these evening that President Deby supports the decisions of the Contact Group on Libya? And are you asking the Government in N'Djamena to do anything specifically toward those ends?

Secretary Clinton. Another important question. Let me begin by saying that I met with the foreign minister from Chad primarily to talk about Sudan because he had just come from meeting with the leaders of both the North and the South as an effort by President Deby to mediate the conflict. We are quite concerned at the outbreak of violence along the border, not just in Abyei, but other places in Sudan. And we are conscious that the clock is ticking on Southern Sudan's independence. So in working with the African Union, with Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia, whom I will see in a few days, with Thabo Mbeki, the envoy, we've encouraged the Chadian initiative. We think that it could be quite value-added. In addition, with respect to Libya, the Chadian Government does not support Qadhafi. They have made that very clear. They want to see a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We are very supportive of their efforts to reach out to the TNC, which they have been doing—the Transitional National Council—which they have been doing in a more sustained way in recent days. So again, we think—Chad has its own difficult history with Libya because Qadhafi tried to seize part of the territory some years back. They are cautious about the outcome and wanting to see it move toward a point of resolution, and we think, again, they can be valuable in sending a clear message that Qadhafi must go.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks at the African Growth and Opportunity Forum in Lusaka, Zambia

Secretary Clinton. If I didn't know any better, Minister Mutati, I'd say that you have a future in preaching. My goodness, I thought he was going to take up a collection.

But I certainly agree with the message. It is the Africa AGOA Act. It is meant to stimulate all of the activities that the minister was referencing. And it is, for me, a great pleasure once again to address the AGOA forum. I'm delighted that you've already heard from the leader of our trade efforts in the United States, Ambassador Ron Kirk. And from what I heard from the minister, Ron has already made every commitment that could be made. So in the spirit of preaching, I'm really saying amen.

It is wonderful to be here in Lusaka for this forum. I had such a good time when I went to Nairobi in 2009, and there was some dancing there, as I remember. In fact, everybody else looked great dancing, and then there's me. And apparently, it was all over Kenyan television, and I got all these emails saying, “Are you alright?” I said, “More than.”

And then last year, we were very proud to host the forum in Washington and in Kansas City. And now here we are in Lusaka. Now, I can imagine that sometimes it feels like Kansas City and Lusaka might be worlds apart, but the whole goal of this forum is to shrink that distance, to create those networks and those relationships that are really at the root of the strong and growing relationship between the people of the United States and the people of Africa. So I thank all of you for being here because you are addressing the importance of what we can do together. It is about the future and it is about the hard work that will take us from today until tomorrow.

And I want to begin by celebrating just how far we have come in the last 11 years together. When my husband signed the African Growth and Opportunity Act into law in 2000, there were many who questioned, both in my country and across the continent, as to whether this would really amount to anything. What did this legislation really mean? There were those who looked at the statistics and saw that poverty had been declining for two decades in Africa. There were at least ten major conflicts underway on the continent. And in the previous 40 years, only four leaders had peacefully accepted defeat in democratic elections.

That seemed like a pretty tough climate in which to expand trade. But we believed then and we believe now that this was in our mutual interests, and a relationship based on mutual respect for what we could do together needed to be forged.

So look at what we've seen. In the past decade, Africa's exports to the United States have quadrupled, from 1 to 4 billion, and that does not count oil. And we have seen large increases in the export of clothing and crafts from Tanzania, cut flowers from Kenya, high-end leather goods from Ethiopia. The growth in trade over the past decade is an accomplishment worth celebrating—both because of what it has meant for the people of Africa, but what it says even more so about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Today, Africa is in such a strong position to build on this progress. Yes, there are still many challenges in many places, but the region is undeniably more stable, more democratic, and more prosperous than a decade ago. And thanks to the hard work of the African people, harnessed to the formal economy—because I hasten to add that African men and women have always worked hard, but not always connected to the formal economy in ways that could be measured—but now, thanks to that hard work, we see productivity rising. We see consumer spending in the region expected to grow by almost $600 million, and GDP by 1 trillion, in less than a decade. And some observers are now even referring to Africa as the home of “emerging emerging markets.” And that means that the economies participating in AGOA are poised to benefit even more.

Yet we can't ignore the signs that not all countries have yet made the most of AGOA. African countries still export only a handful of the 6,500 products that are eligible for duty-free shipping. And the most common export is still a barrel of oil.

So we have the potential to do more. And the question is: Will we? Will we on both sides? Will we in the United States hear the words of the minister and many of you, learn the lessons that we can from the last years, and reshape AGOA? And will African countries and business leaders and entrepreneurs take advantage of what is available?

As we look to renew this trade agreement, let me say clearly what you heard from Ron Kirk yesterday, that the Obama Administration will work with Congress on a seamless renewal of AGOA beyond 2015 and on a renewal of the important third-country fabric provisions in the coming months so that we also have a consistent regimen. We are willing to do what is necessary, but we all have to acknowledge what we must change together. And that's what I wanted to talk with you today.

Getting AGOA right plays an important role in President Obama's new approach to global development. Because despite the best of intentions, for too long, in too much of our development work, the United States was not focused on the kind of partnerships that should be at the root of development. All too often, we were doing programs that continued year after year, and we, frankly, did too much of the talking and not enough of the listening.

The United States is a generous nation, a fact that makes Americans justifiably proud. But we have to be reminded that the purpose of aid is not to make us feel good about ourselves. It is to help people in developing countries improve their own lives, to have that paycheck. And by improving prosperity, one improves stability, and that does have a benefit for the United States to have a world that is safer and more prosperous.

That is why in this Administration we have embarked on a new way of doing business. And we have also put business at the center of our economic development work. Our approach is based on partnership, not patronage. It is focused not on handouts but on the kind of economic growth that underlies long-term progress. Ultimately, it is aimed at helping developing countries chart their own futures and, frankly, end the need for aid at all. It starts from the belief that the most successful development efforts will someday put themselves out of business, because there will be so much economic activity, there will be such strong democratic institutions, that people will be able to generate their own opportunities.

Now, this is not just for us a matter of rhetoric. It is reflected in our actions. You can see it in our new program called Partnership for Growth. We're taking all the lessons that have been learned from around the world and working with a small group of countries, including, in Africa, Tanzania and Ghana, and one in Latin American and one in Asia, to identify the biggest barriers to growth and find ways to overcome them. You can also see that in our Global Health Initiative, our Millennium Challenge compacts, and our Feed the Future programs. And many of the countries represented here are involved in one or more of those efforts.

In every case, we want what we do to be country-led and country-driven. We want to deliver real results that people can see are making a difference in their lives. We want to empower people themselves. I mean, it's easy for a company from some other country to come in and get a contract and build something and then not have improved the skills of workers, not have created small business suppliers, not have left anything sustainable behind other than perhaps a physical structure. Africa does not lack in physical structures. Africa lacks in infrastructure. Africa lacks in connections between countries and Africa lacks in people willing to invest in African people in order to have a win-win situation.

So let us hold each other accountable for the success of AGOA in the future. And let's begin by recognizing—and I think the minister was very right about this—increasing access to American markets is an important step, but market access alone is not enough. There are obstacles that stand in the way of the kind of transformative change that I think we should seek.

First, there is the basic challenge of raising awareness. Too often, businesses in the United States and other countries simply don't think to look for potential partners in Africa. And many African firms have no way of knowing which foreign businesses might buy their products or their services. So we need to do more to connect so what you have to offer we can perhaps connect up with those who are seeking it.

Now, the United States supports a number of efforts to forge these connections, including international trade shows, bringing delegations of private sector investors to this forum, as we have again this year. And tomorrow, I will be privileged, along with Ambassador Kirk, to help launch the Zambian-American Chamber of Commerce. I have found that where we have chambers of commerce in countries, we see advocates for more trade. We see people who are reaching out all the time looking to make those deals and connections.

And we want particularly to focus on two groups of entrepreneurs whose potential is not being fully tapped: young people and women. This year, for the first time, a group of young entrepreneurs is joining us, and I want to welcome them and tell them how much we need their energy and their ideas. You really are the future. People say that all the time. It happens to be true. You have the biggest stake/in our success here. What you do will largely determine Africa's economic growth curve.

Now, more and more young people in Africa of working age are moving to urban areas, where they hope to find good jobs. Too many are finding only disappointment. By 2025, which is not that far away now, one in every four young people in the world will live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Now, that fact alone has profound and far-reaching implications for Africa's future. We have been seeing what happens when young people feel their governments do not meet their needs. Across the Middle East and North Africa, the Arab Spring is being led by young people, young people in Tunisia, in Egypt, and across the region are demanding not just more democracy but more economic opportunity. They say, look, we've studied, I'm willing to work hard, and yet there's nothing for me here.

Creating opportunity and protecting freedoms for young people deserves our urgent attention. I will be discussing this in greater detail when I am privileged to be the first Secretary of State ever to appear at the African Union on Monday.

Now, the logic for connecting more women to the global economy is just as compelling. I've said it all over the world: No country can thrive when half its people are left behind. And the evidence is so persuasive: Small and medium-sized enterprises run by women are major drivers of economic growth. And I had a conversation with an economist some years ago who heard me say this, and he said, “You know, I just—I don't see women's contribution to the economy. I said, “Have you been to a market? Have you looked at fields being tilled? Have you watched children being raised? Women are holding up half the economy already. Let's give them the opportunities to bring along all the rest of us with their hard work and their success.” Because when a woman prospers, she re-invests those earnings in her family, and the positive ripple effects cross an entire community.

And yet let's be very honest. In too many places, it is still too difficult for a woman to start a business. Cultural traditions may discourage her from handling money or managing employees. Complex regulations may make it hard for her to buy land or keep land or get a loan. She has to balance the needs of her own family and somehow overcome all of these barriers. Now, lest you think this is only about Africa in 2011, I well recall what it was like in my own country not to long ago. Women couldn't get loans. Women couldn't get credit. I remember when I was a practicing lawyer and my husband was the attorney general of our state of Arkansas, I was making roughly three times the money he was making in the 1970s. I could not get a credit card in my own name. Now, I will not mention the company that refused to give me a credit card in my own name, but I will hasten to add I've never done business with them since.

So this is a problem that countries have had to face over the last 50 years, and the barriers have slowly but surely come down, either because governments passed new laws or courts said according to our constitution these barriers are not constitutional and they must disappear. Political action created that. But mostly, it's because people woke up and said oh my gosh, we're losing business and we're losing economic growth, and we'd better make sure that women have the same opportunities to contribute to the growth of Africa that men do.

Now, at the State Department, we have made it a priority to help women break down barriers. And among our efforts, we are helping women entrepreneurs connect with potential partners. And we recently sponsored the first-ever delegation of American businesswomen from the technology industry to Liberia and Sierra Leone. That visit led to the creation of a new business incubator in Sierra Leone focused especially on women.

And last August, on the margins of our meeting in Washington, we kicked off the African Women's Entrepreneurship Program, AWEP. And in just a few months, these remarkable women have already made lasting connections with American companies. They've begun trading with each other, and they've devised new ways of promoting their businesses. I just met some of them and saw some of the products that they are producing. And today, I am very happy to announce that the United States will contribute $2 million this year and next so they can continue their work. And thank you to Zambia for hosting them as well.

We will be inviting leading businesswomen from across the continent to attend leadership programs in the United States this fall and next summer, because we want to make sure they have the tools and the skills that they need, and then we will connect buyers and sellers, which is exactly what AGOA is intended to do.

But even when African companies make connections with American businesses, they may not yet have the capacity to make and ship products that are competitive in the U.S. market. So this is a second barrier. We need to get more out of AGOA by making sure we break down those obstacles.

Let me give you an example. A few years ago, a large American home-furnishing company placed a trial order of 5,000 baskets from a producer in West Africa. They wanted to see if he could deliver what they needed, and if he could, they might buy more. The producer was delighted to have the order, but he had never filled an order of more than 500 baskets.

Now, he put in 24/7 days, he hired extra workers, and he was able to deliver the goods. But when the American company placed their next order, they didn't call him. Why? They called one of his competitors in Vietnam. Why? Because the Government of Vietnam offers basket makers low-interest loans and makes sure the supply chain for straw moves smoothly. The competitor, therefore, with the subsidies, with the supply chain support, could produce baskets for about half the cost.

So it wasn't that the Vietnamese company worked harder. It was that their government helped pave the way for their success. It should not be that way. And if we are going to reach our goals, it can't be that way. African entrepreneurs with the talent and the drive deserve the resources they need to compete for the highest-paying customers, whether they're next door, in the United States, or anywhere else in the world.

That's why the three regional trade hubs that USAID sponsors do much more than connect African and American businesses. They support African entrepreneurs in writing business plans, raising capital, increasing their productivity, improving their production processes so they can meet the export standards set by governments and companies around the world.

In fact, the staff at our regional hub in West Africa are helping that basket maker write a new ending to his story. With their support, he and his fellow producers are now working together to buy straw in larger quantities, which brings the cost down. That's supply and demand. And they are exploring low-interest loans from nongovernmental organizations, which will help them level the playing field with their competitors.

But let me say I hope someday their own government will offer them these same opportunities. Let's look at what is working in other countries like Vietnam. And it is not the work ethic. Do the Vietnamese people work hard? Yes, they do. Do African people work hard? Yes, they do. And as the minister said, yes you can. There is no reason not to be competitive.

So when we raise awareness and we increase capacity, we can produce amazing results. Just ask Caroline Sack Kendem, who runs Ken Atlantic, a clothing manufacturer in Cameroon. She employs 98 people—mostly women. And last month, thanks to the connections that she made through our networking program hub, as well as the training and support that she received from that USAID trade hub, she landed a major new client and signed a $2 million contract to make tens of thousands of knitted shirts. And soon, she won't have 98 employees. She'll have 200.

And we want to be able to tell far more success stories like this. That's why Ambassador Kirk announced a new trade capacity building initiative that will provide up to $120 million over four years to intensify and focus the work of our African trade hubs.

But let's acknowledge a hard truth. A business is only as successful as the environment in which it operates. A shipping company cannot thrive if it is overwhelmed by government regulations and drowning in paperwork. Buyers and sellers can't do business if they are harassed by corrupt officials. A strong economy requires a supportive business climate that empowers every entrepreneur.

And we do need to confront poor infrastructure—roads, ports, and electric grids that drive up the cost of doing business in Africa. We are investing with our partners to improve infrastructure in places where it's a bottleneck for trade. For example, with support from our Millennium Challenge Corporation, whose president, Daniel Yohannes, is here with us, Tanzania recently began upgrading 430 kilometers of road and installing nearly 1,600 kilometers of new power lines.

And let's have a very frank conversation about corruption. It takes such a real toll on everyone. Every bribe paid to a customs official represents a hidden tax on the cost of doing business and a drag on economic growth. I am elevating in the State Department corruption as a major focus of our diplomatic efforts. And we are establishing an innovation fund to create incentives and boost political support for anti-corruption efforts. The United States now requires oil, gas, and mining companies that raise capital in our markets to disclose the royalties they pay to foreign governments, which will help ensure that Africa's natural wealth benefits the people of Africa rather than corrupt officials.

And another challenge is armed conflict, which—in addition to its tremendous human toll—undermines the business environment by making it more expensive and more dangerous for goods and workers to cross borders. We work on this every single day and we will continue to do so because working with our African partners to resolve and prevent conflict is good for business.

And because healthy and productive people form the foundation of any thriving economy, we continue to join with partners to fight HIV/AIDS, reduce maternal mortality, and end hunger and malnutrition.

This is a wide-ranging agenda for strengthening the business environment in the long run. And all of these actions require commitment from all of us.

But finally, I want to stress again a point that the minister made that I addressed in 2009 and 2010, and that is the low level of economic cooperation, integration, and trade among African nations. I am very pleased that this had a prominent place on the agenda this year.

The benefits of economic integration are well known. It reduces food insecurity by allowing agricultural goods to move efficiently to the places where they're needed. It gives landlocked countries new access to ports and harbors. And it allows African companies to tap into a very promising new market—their own.

In the United States, again, we often saw parts of cities or rural areas where our poor people lived really deprived of investment. And then somebody got smart and said these folks may be poor, but they still spend money, they just don't spend it in their own communities. And we began trying to break down the domestic barriers that we had.

Here in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is less trade between and among the countries than in any other region in the world. Why is that? Well, some of it is because we need to improve infrastructure, but the most important limiting factor is not roads or airports. It's people. Trade officials are under pressure to protect their own homegrown industries. Government leaders of smaller countries are concerned that larger countries will gain too much influence. Business owners worry about losing out to competitors across the border.

Now, these are not problems are not unique to Africa, but they have a disproportionate impact on Africa. So ultimately, it is up to the leaders of this region to decide if you want economic integration. It does mean you have to take on entrenched interests and respond to concerns about new competition, while making the case over and over again as to why the people in your country will benefit from expanded trade. I know this is difficult. Although I am out of politics now, I understand how hard it is to tell a longtime supporter something he doesn't want to hear. But sometimes it is the right and important thing to do.

This week's summit in South Africa to discuss a tripartite free trade agreement that would cover 34 countries is a very important step toward deeper integration. So is the East Africa Community's common market protocol, which is making it easier for goods and workers to move among the five member nations. The United States will support the East Africa Community in its efforts to achieve a common market. We are still in the early stages of planning, but if our approach is successful, we will look to replicate in every regional economic community in Africa that is as committed to integration.

So the EAC and the tripartite talks have created real momentum for integration. And I urge you to make the most of this momentum—continue it and accelerate it, because expanding trade within Africa is one of the best ways to promote growth, to put more paychecks into more pockets.

Now, in all the areas I've discussed today, we do face hard choices. And we have to decide: Do we foster more connections and give them the tools that people need to compete globally, or not? Will we fight corruption and improve the business environment, or not? Will we speed up regional integration, or not? And will we hold ourselves accountable for delivering results, or not?

When the United States Congress considers renewing AGOA, they will be asking tough questions like these, and I want us to be ready with answers. I believe in Africa's future. I believe with all my heart that the best days are ahead. But it doesn't happen by hoping for it or wishing for it, but only by rolling up our sleeves and working for it.

So let's move together into that future. And as we do, let's remember the people whose talents and energy we are trying to unlock: the farmer in Tanzania, the basket maker in West Africa, the clothing manufacturer in Cameroon, the technology entrepreneur in Zambia. Because our work together is not about us; it is about the people who get up every day trying to make their lives better. And it is particularly about the young people who, given technology, expect so much more of us.

I am committed to doing everything I can to help every man and woman, every boy and girl, live up to his or her God -given potential. And I want to work with you to make sure that we have real results to be able to demonstrate.

It is now my pleasure to declare that this session of the AGOA Forum is closed. Thank you all very much.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Lusaka, Zambia

Secretary Clinton. Thank you very much, Master of Ceremonies. And let me begin by thanking everyone associated with this Paediatric Center of Excellence for the work you do every day and for the very warm welcome today. I want to thank Dr. Mbewe; Ambassador Eric Goosby from the United States Government, where he heads the PEPFAR program, he's our Global AIDS Coordinator; Dr. Neil Zadalare of our Health and Human Services Department, one of the critical elements in our Global Health Initiative; and to all of the Americans who are here for this important occasion. And I especially wish to extend my greetings and respect to His Excellency, President Banda, and for all of the officials from the Zambian Government, representatives from the University Teaching Hospital, all members of the media, NGOs, and health communities. And so let me add, all protocols observed.

I am delighted to be with you and to have had a brief tour and explanation of the excellent work that is being done here at the Centre. The president and I met with very impressive doctors, medical staff, support staff. We saw firsthand the program that helps survivors of gender-based violence and the community approach that is being taken to that problem. And the president and I had the honor of meeting a young mother and her child who have benefited from the work you have done here, the mother being HIV-positive but getting medical care and treatment and following the regimen and now having a beautiful 11 -month-old daughter who is HIV-negative.

This dedication marks an important day, certainly for Zambia and for the United States, but in particular for our partnership. We are aware that Zambia faces many health challenges, particular those affecting women and children. But we're also very pleased that the Government of Zambia is working to improve health of the people across the country. For instance, Zambia's partnership with PEPFAR has meant that 344,000 Zambians are receiving anti-retroviral treatment that gives them the chance to lead healthy lives, care for their families, and contribute to their country's development.

This facility is further evidence of our shared commitment. The Ministry of Health—and I thank the minister for being here—plans to make the Paediatric Centre of Excellence the centerpiece of its efforts to tackle two deeply interrelated challenges, gender-based violence against women and girls, and the transmission of HIV from mothers to their children.

The United Nations has identified the elimination of pediatric AIDS as a global goal by 2015, and we have reached a crucial point around the world. That objective is within our grasp, and Zambia is ahead of many countries in fulfilling that goal. With renewed efforts and the involvement of all—governments, civil society, faith-based partners, medical experts and personnel, and people living with HIV—we can achieve this goal.

For our part, the United States has highlighted the importance of mothers' treatment, and in particular of women and children's health. We are dedicated to preventing mother-to-child transmission. That is part of President Obama's Global Health Initiative. We contribute more than $300 million each year to help HIV-positive mothers protect their children from the virus. And earlier this week at the United Nations, Dr. Goosby, on behalf of our government, committed to an additional $75 million for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission as part of the global plan.

In recent years, Zambia has made enormous strides in its own efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission. Since 2006, Zambia has increased its HIV testing of pregnant women by more than 50 percent. And now, as I learned, 87 percent of all pregnant women are being tested for HIV.

But challenges still remain. Every year, some 80,000 pregnant women in Zambia test positive for HIV. It's crucial that we work even harder together to help these women live and thrive and to make sure their babies are born (inaudible). President Banda recently set a bold goal, to call for the virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission in this country by 2014. And Mr. President, the United States is eager to help Zambia reach the goal. I think it was moving to both the president and me to meet that young mother and her baby, and that image will stay in both of our minds as we attempt to do everything in our power to help Zambia eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

That's why today I am pleased to announce an additional $ 15 million in PEPFAR funding for Zambia. These resources will help bring more medicine to more people who need it. It will help improve the facilities that mothers need throughout their pregnancy, such as the clinics where they see a midwife or an obstetrician, or the maternity units in hospitals like this one. We also had a very important discussion with the medical director, who himself is an OB/GYN, about how we can do more to assist those mothers who give birth at home.

This support is just one more way in which the United States Government is working as a partner with Zambia to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. We are collaborating on long-term, systemic changes that will help remove the economic, cultural, social, and legal barriers to health care services. And we are specifically targeting gender-based violence. It is at the root of so much of the ill health and disempowerment of women and girls, and it is directly related to HIV and AIDS.

This center, which offers services to young survivors of abuse and their families, is an example of the one-stop integrated care that families need. I also was very impressed that Zambia is moving toward smart cards. It's called a care card. And Zambia is moving toward electronic medical records, something that I've worked on for more than a decade in my own country. So I may send some people here to see how it's done.

This dedication today is all about partnership. It shows the commitment of the government and people of Zambia to tackle some of the biggest challenges in health. Ignoring these challenges, as still, unfortunately, some leaders do, Mr. President, it doesn't make them go away, it doesn't cure anybody, it doesn't help anybody live a better life, and it doesn't help a country develop. So what this government is doing, what your leaders and your experts are doing, is so critical.

So although today we dedicate a facility, we are here not just because of the facility. We are here because we admire and support what the government and people of Zambia are doing. You can have the most beautiful facility in the world—and I've been to countries where I have visited beautiful facilities—but you don't have the quality of expert medical care, you don't have the government's support, you don't have the will of the people manifest.

So what's important about this dedication—yes, we are proud to dedicate this facility and turn it over to the Government of Zambia, but we do so because we are confident that the Government of Zambia will continue doing the work that is making a difference in the lives of the people in this beautiful country.

Thank you all very much.

Secretary Hillary Clinton, Minister Mizengo Pinda, and Minister Tanaiste Gilmore delivered these remarks in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Secretary Clinton. I find that standing in front of a very large jet engine, which is what I am now doing, one that will bring electricity to thousands of homes here in Tanzania, is a good metaphor. Because Tanzania is taking off. And you are taking off on so many fronts. But one of the most important is improving access to electricity. And that really means expanding what is possible with reliable, affordable electricity. Hospitals can stay open without fear 24 hours a day. Factories will be able to compete. New businesses and industries can start and succeed.

Today, the 14 percent of Tanzanians who have access to the electric grid struggle through blackouts and brownouts. Some people generate their own power at three times the cost, but most do not have power.

President Obama and I created the Partnership for Growth to help countries identify obstacles to growth, and mobilize our resources in meeting them. And Tanzania is one of four countries in the entire world, one of only two in Africa, that were considered eligible to be the first partners for growth. And we are eager to help Tanzania deliver reliable, affordable electricity to its citizens. That is why the MCC is such an important partner in this effort. I want to really acknowledge the great work that the MCC is doing, along with our private sector partners, to extend power lines across the country.

The island of Zanzibar, with about three-quarters of a million people, gets its electricity from a 30-year-old submarine cable to the mainland. And when that cable falters, the power goes out there, too. Through MCC, we are helping Tanzania build a new cable with more than double the capacity of the old one.

Now, building power lines and electric grids may seem to some like boring, dry, technical work, not something that the press would be interested from either Tanzania or the United States. But, in fact, if you are looking for the single biggest reason why development is not succeeding in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, it is because of the lack of energy, and the inability to deliver electricity to people where they can use it.

Now, in Tanzania we have found a government and a people that understand this. And I know how important it is to finish what we started together. I am convinced that this will not only be good for Tanzania, but Tanzania will be a model, not just for Africa, but for the rest of the world.

Now, we want to take every opportunity to help Tanzania overcome all of the obstacles to growth that you face with rural feeder roads, and we just visited a very important site for our program called Feed the Future. Then farmers can bring more products to market. With a more effective fee and payment system, Tanzania can attract investors who will provide even more access to electricity and energy.

But even as we expand Africa's energy supply, we need to ensure we are not worsening another obstacle to growth: climate change, and the effects we are already seeing here in Africa and elsewhere. Now, plans like this one, which runs on natural gas, can help us make the transition from coal-fired power to clean energy sources. This jet engine runs on natural gas. Tanzania happens to have natural gas. So this is another example of a good win-win strategy. The next major UN climate conference will be held in Africa, in Durban, South Africa. And the progress that we are making on food security, access to clean water, public health, and many other issues, will only be sustainable if we work together to mitigate and respond to climate change.

We believe in partnership, and we believe in competition. You heard Paul say that when MCC put out the bid to build power lines across this country, a lot of companies competed. But two American companies won. We are very proud of that because we, frankly, want more American companies competing for business in Africa. And we are going to take that message back to America, and urge them to get out here and compete for these foreign projects.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Jakaya Kikwete delivered these remarks in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

President Kikwete. Madam Secretary of State, let me once again welcome you to Tanzania. We are so happy that you were able to come and put Tanzania in your itinerary. Your visit speaks volumes about the state of our bilateral relations in many ways (inaudible) visits by officials of our two countries have contributed (inaudible) relations.

Tanzania has very fond memories of the visit by President Bush. I have had the (inaudible) of visiting the White House three times, twice in President Bush's time and once during President Obama's time. Tanzanians are now anxiously waiting for the visit of President Obama, and I can assure you if he chooses to visit, that's going to be a visit of a lifetime.

Well, our two countries have strong relations. And I mean, these last few years have been better than ever in the history of our two countries. We see eye-to-eye on many international issues and work together in international fora on regional and international issues.

Tanzania has received a lot of invaluable high-level support from the U.S. Government. It has complimented our development efforts and continues to make a difference in improving the lives of our people in the health sector. Through the U.S. Government, thousands of Tanzanians, including women and children, who would have died of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and TB, are alive today thanks to your support. Through your support, deaths from malaria has been reduced by half, from 120,000 per annum to 60- and 80,000. Malaria has been eliminated in Zanzibar. In the past, 40 percent of visitations to hospitals were of malaria cases. Now it's only 20 percent.

(Inaudible) reduction of maternal and child mortality is very much a function of the capacity built on controlling malaria and HIV/AIDS. The infection rates in HIV have climbed down from 18 percent in the 1980s to 5.4 percent. These days, pregnant women who are infected with HIV are assured of giving birth to HIV-free children, and thanks again to the PMI, President's Malaria Initiative, and PEPFAR in this regard.

In education, I had many requests to you and to the President when I visited in May 2009 to support us with teacher education and with textbooks. You have delivered on that promise. We have 200 Peace Corps (inaudible) science and mathematics teachers. We have received already 800,000 textbooks, science textbooks and mathematics', 1.4 million are on the way. The availability of textbooks in our schools has been increased. Eight thousand teachers have been getting training through U.S. Government support. The MCA, Millennium Challenge Account, has done so well. New roads have been built, water supply has been improved, electricity supply has been improved, and MCA alone benefits 8 million Tanzanians. It is quite phenomenal, and that's why we appreciate it.

Our two governments have been working together on some of the global scourges like terrorism, narcotics, piracy. And through the support of the U.S. Government helping build the capacities of our security organs, we have been making tremendous successes in this regard. Tanzania has become a difficult place for perpetrators of these crimes now to operate. Recently we caught this kingpin of narcotics, this Kenyan lady Mama. Terrorists who pass through here are always apprehended. We have caught a number of them. Piracy is another problem for us, but we are dealing with them. We've encountered several of them. We have 11 of them that we arrested them at sea trying to hijack ships in our territorial waters.

And all this is something that we attribute to the support of your government. So Madam Secretary, I can say that we thank you for the support and U.S. taxpayers' money is well spent in the U.S. and it's making a big difference—again, support that we are part of the new initiatives, Partnership for Growth, we can't really find words to thank you, Madam. (Inaudible) the international issues we have been working together and African challenges and global challenges, we appreciate U.S. leadership. Where U.S. leadership is there, it makes a lot of difference.

So (inaudible) is appreciated, continue to work with the U.S. Government for peace and development in Tanzania, in Africa, and the world. Once again, welcome, and I will give the floor to you, Madam.

Secretary Clinton. Mr. President, thank you very much for your generous hospitality and the time that we have spent together this morning in a very wide-ranging and comprehensive discussion, certainly about the progress that is being made here in Tanzania and the commitment that the United States has to work with the government and people of this country on nutrition and food security, on energy, on women's and children's health, on HIV/AIDS, sustainable development, and so much more.

There is a reason why I'm here and why our commitment is so strong, and that is because the United States and Tanzania have a deep partnership. We are united by mutual respect and mutual interests, but most of all by shared values and the aspirations for a more peaceful and prosperous future. We respect Tanzania's record of democratic progress, which is making it a model for the region and beyond, and we support the continuing efforts to strengthen the institutions of democracy.

I had a wonderful opportunity yesterday to visit some of the projects that the United States is doing with Tanzania, and we are very impressed with the level of commitment that we have seen from the people working in these areas. So we will continue to support you and your country, Mr. President, because you are making a real difference.

I also want to thank you for your work on increasing economic integration through your leadership and membership in the East African Community and now through the exciting initiative that you discussed in SADC of creating a free trade area from Cape Town to Cairo. That's a long-term objective, but it's a worthy goal.

So we not only talked about what was happening here in Tanzania, but also the regional and global outlook. We discussed Madagascar and Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Somalia, and many other important issues that Tanzania is watching carefully and which the president and his government are involved in trying to address.

So Mr. President, again, thank you for your leadership and thank you for your very kind invitation to meet with you and to compare notes on many of the issues that Tanzania is confronting and the issues that affect the neighborhood as well. Thank you, Mr. President.

Q. Thank you. David Malingha Doya of Bloomberg News. Mr. President, when you met President Obama to discuss about what his Administration will do for Africa, you advised a focus on agriculture. I would like to know as Tanzania, what have you done in the first place to improve (inaudible) agriculture and what kind of support are you getting from the American Government? Thank you.

President Kikwete. Okay. Well, of course, it is true I raised the issue of agriculture because our concern is focused on the African continent. We want to lift up people from poverty to prosperity. Eighty percent of the people live in rural areas and agriculture is the mainstay. But it is peasant agriculture, local activity, and that's why we have got to do something. If you want to make a difference in poverty, deal with the agriculture question. This is our policy internally. We have a number of initiatives to deal with the constraints that are facing agriculture. MSDP is one of them, where it is essentially because of our government tackling the challenges of agriculture.

And then we go to the private sector. We—through the Kilimo Kwanza Agriculture First Initiative. Now we broaden that. It is now bringing in the agriculture the private sector that is Tanzanian, but we also—we are also going global. With the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor, SAGCOT, we are now bringing in the international players now—Monsanto (inaudible). On the seed side, on the seeds we have Yara fertilizers, Unilever, a number of these (inaudible) players also coming in to (inaudible) with Tanzanian private sector and Tanzanians in promoting agricultural growth.

Of course, on the American side we are getting the support that (inaudible), of course. We've been working together with the U.S. Government, US AID, in a number of programs. But now we have bigger programs, Feed the Future, where we are part of this and it's still going to help us address the challenges of food security and nutrition, which is part of that.

Of course, the support we are getting through MCA of doing the roads, extending electricity, all of these are going also to help promoting agriculture. The two roads— Namtumbo-Songea-(inaudible), Tunduma-Sumbawanga—(inaudible) with those good roads definitely these goods can get to the markets and promote growth in those areas. So this (inaudible) I can say there is so much (inaudible) and about promoting agriculture. The USAID is helping us in the—in SAGCOT itself. They have contributed $2 million to the Catalytic Fund. So we are getting a lot of support. We appreciate that.

Q. Thank you, Mr. President and Madam Secretary. I was hoping you would discuss a little bit the proposals being discussed even now to send peacekeepers into the Abyei region in Sudan and reports that President Bashir has pledged to withdraw troops from the region before independence on July 9.^th

And Madam Secretary, is it possible that you would be willing to meet President Bashir later today in Ethiopia? Thank you very much.

President Kikwete. Well, let me start. Indeed we discussed Abyei, but what I can say is that after the unfortunate incident, we had discussions with many friends, including Ambassador Carson—I think we were on the phone—discussed about it. I spoke to President Bashir. I also spoke to President Salva Kiir of Southern Sudan. And my appeal to them has been that let them sit down and sort out the problem. Indeed, there has been some progress in, I think, the meeting today in Addis Ababa, and let's wait what's going to come out of the Addis Ababa meeting.

Secretary Clinton. Well, Steve, I am going to wait to get a report from the ongoing discussions. They went long into the night and are, as the president said, continuing today in Addis Ababa, where we will be later this afternoon.

The United States strongly believes that a robust peacekeeping presence should be a central part of the security arrangements in Abyei and that the Government of Sudan should urgently facilitate a viable security arrangement, starting with the withdrawal of Sudanese armed forces. So we would welcome both parties agreeing to ask Ethiopia, which has volunteered to send peacekeepers, to do so as part of a United Nations mission that will be strengthened.

But I'm not going to go further than that until I get a full readout of what is occurring in Addis Ababa. The United States has made our views very clearly known to both President Bashir and Vice President Kiir, and I am looking forward to hearing positive news out of their ongoing discussions with Prime Minister Meles and former President Mbeki.

Q. My name is (inaudible) from the Pan-African News Agency. Mr. President, what you have said about the piracy in the Indian Ocean is (inaudible) concern in this region. And at the same time you have mentioned the United States cooperation in this area. I don't know whether there is any specific plan of the United States to help the countries of the region to have a safe area in the Indian Ocean and do the trading as normal as has been that in the past. At the same time, may I ask you, Mr. President, do you have any specific assistance you would be pleased to see come from the United States to assist for these countries to fight pirates?

President Kikwete. Well, as I said, piracy is a problem. From March last year through to date, we have had 27 incidents of piracy encounters in our territorial waters. Of course, the problem used to be in the Horn. Now it's moving south. Fifteen of those have been attempts to hijack ships. They succeeded in four. Our navy was able to rescue two ships. This year alone, we have had, I think, over 14 incidents from January to date.

So as I said, our navy is engaging them. We had four direct encounters with the pirates and have been able to apprehend 11. We caught 11 of them. They're in our courts here, in our courts. So you can see (inaudible). Of course, the U.S. has been helping us, training of our navy, and we want continued support in this regard. We are still looking for the possibilities of getting bigger ships, but we have not been able to discuss that with the U.S. Government and we are still waiting on getting bigger ships so that we'd be able to go into the deeper waters to be able to (inaudible). So if we get big ships, we should be able to take care of our territorial waters.

The second question?

Q. Mr. President, Madam Secretary, if I could, I'd like to ask about one of Tanzania's more unfortunate neighbors, that being Zimbabwe. In the year of the Arab Spring, I'm wondering what should Africa's message be to Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe this year. He shows no sign of releasing his grip on his unhappy country. And specifically what is SADC prepared to do this year or ahead of the next elections that it has not done in previous years that will help to guarantee that Zimbabwe's elections are free and fair and do not turn into another sort of bloody exercise in intimidation?

President Kikwete. Well, of course, you're right. Zimbabwe as well has been one of our issues that we've been dealing with for quite some time. And in the SADC summit we held on the 11^th and yesterday, Zimbabwe—besides Madagascar, we also discussed the issue of Zimbabwe.

And the understanding has been that as they go into elections, they should make sure that all the aspects of the roadmap or the Global Political Agreements are implemented. There have been ten of them. They have done six, but you see there are four that are remaining, and among them is the important issue of the constitution. They have finished (inaudible) the constitution, finished the referendum (inaudible) the processes of the parliament (inaudible) for elections.

So about who is to become the leader in Zimbabwe, that is a matter that is beyond my capacity.

Secretary Clinton. Well, I would only add to the last two questions, which the president answered very well and comprehensively, with respect to piracy, the United States is working with Tanzania and other countries in the region because we view this as an international security threat and the Obama Administration is undertaking a thorough review of what more could be done. And the president and I discussed that and we are very impressed by the steps that Tanzania has taken on its own to apprehend pirates in their territorial waters and to hold them for trial here in Tanzania.

Secondly, with respect to Zimbabwe, I think the U.S. position is well known and we are encouraged by the SADC meeting discussing Zimbabwe yesterday which emphasized the importance of President Mugabe following the requirements of the Global Peace Agreement. This is what was agreed to. This is what we expect him to implement. And we are grateful for the leadership of Tanzania and others in the region who are making it very clear what the way forward should be. We will continue to follow this closely and support the work that Southern Africa is doing.

Thank you all.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered these remarks at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Secretary Clinton. Good afternoon. It is a great honor to join you here in Addis Ababa and to address the African Union. I want to thank Chairperson Ping, members of the African Union Commission, ambassadors to the AU, representatives of United Nations agencies, and, most of all, representatives of the nations and people of Africa. Thank you for the opportunity to be here with you. It is good to be back in Africa, and it is a singular honor to address this body.

During the past few days, I have traveled to Zambia, Tanzania, and now Ethiopia, meeting with leaders and citizens who are rising to meet challenges of all kinds with creativity, courage, and skill. And I am pleased to come to the African Union today as the first United States Secretary of State to address you, because I believe that in the 21^st century, solving our greatest challenges cannot be the work only of individuals or individual nations. These challenges require communities of nations and peoples working together in alliances, partnerships, and institutions like the African Union.

Consider what it takes to solve global challenges, like climate change or terrorism, or regional ones, like the African Union's work in Sudan and Somalia. Your efforts to end the brutal campaign of the Lord's Resistance Army, your push to create a green revolution for Africa that drives down hunger and poverty, the challenge of helping refugees displaced by conflict, the fight against transnational crimes like piracy and trafficking: These are diplomatic and development challenges of enormous complexity. But institutions like this make it easier for us to address them, by helping nations turn common interests into common actions, by encouraging coalition building and effective compromising, by integrating emerging nations into a global community with clear obligations and expectations.

That is why, as Secretary of State, I have emphasized the work of regional institutions throughout the world, in Latin America, in Asia, in Europe, and in Africa. Now, regional institutions, of course, may differ, but increasingly they are called upon to be problem solvers and to deliver concrete results that produce positive change in people's lives.

To solve the problems confronting Africa and the world, we need the African Union. We also need Africa's sub-regional institutions, all of whom must help lead the way. Because the results you will achieve will shape the future, first and foremost, of course, for the people of Africa, but also for the people of my country, and indeed for people everywhere because what happens in Africa has global impact. Economic growth here spurs economic growth elsewhere. Breakthroughs in health research here can save and improve lives in other lands. And peace established here makes the world more secure.

So the United States seeks new and dynamic partnerships with African peoples, nations, and institutions. We want to help you accelerate the advances that are underway in many places and collaborate with you to reverse the dangerous trends and encourage political, economic, and social progress.

Today, I'd like briefly to discuss three areas, which are areas of emphasis for you and for us and where I think we can make particular progress through regional institutions like the AU. They are democracy, economic growth, and peace and security. These are, of course, the core areas of focus for the African Union, and that's for a reason. All three are critical for a thriving region. All three must be the work both of individual nations and communities of nations. And all three present challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities we must address together.

First, democracy. Let me begin by saying this is an exciting time for African democracy. More than half the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have embraced democratic, constitutional, multi-party rule. Now, some, like Botswana, Ghana, and Tanzania, have spent decades building strong institutions and a tradition of peaceful, democratic transitions. When things like this happen, you just keep going. Now, those countries that I mentioned are models, not only for their neighbors, but increasingly for countries everywhere.

Other African nations have been also making important advances. In Nigeria, President Jonathan was inaugurated 15 days ago after what many have called the fairest election in Nigeria's recent history. Benin and Malawi both held successful elections this spring, building on previous successful multiparty contests. Kenya's democracy got a boost from last year's referendum on its new constitution. The vote took place without violence, and the constitution, which includes a bill of rights and limits on executive power, passed by a large margin. Niger and Guinea, both of which endured recent military coups, held successful elections in the past year. And in Cote d'Ivoire, the crisis that followed the 2010 elections was finally resolved two months ago with the help of the AU, and the elected winner is now serving as president.

These are just a few examples of Africa's recent democratic gains. A complete list would fill all the time we have today. In several nations, the institutions of democracy are becoming stronger. There are freer medias, justice systems that administer justice equally, and impartially, honest legislatures, vibrant civil societies.

Now, much of the credit for these hard-won achievements rightly belongs to the people and leaders of these countries who have passionately and persistently, sometimes at great risk to themselves, demanded that their leaders protect the rule of law, honor election results, uphold rights and freedoms. But credit is also due to the African Union, which has prohibited new leaders who have come to power through military rule and coups from being seated in the organization. The AU and Africa's other regional institutions have also played a pivotal role in ending crises and creating the conditions for successful, democratic transitions, with the AU's work to monitor elections being an especially important contribution.

But, even as we celebrate this progress, we do know that too many people in Africa still live under longstanding rulers, men who care too much about the longevity of their reign, and too little about the legacy that should be built for their country's future. Some even claim to believe in democracy—democracy defined as one election, one time.

Now, this approach to governing is being rejected by countries on this continent and beyond. Consider the changes that have recently swept through North Africa and the Middle East. After years of living under dictatorships, people have demanded new leadership; in places where their voices have long been silenced, they are exercising their right to speak, often at the top of their lungs. In places where jobs are scarce and a tiny elite prospers while most of the population struggles, people—especially young people—are channeling their frustration into social, economic, and political change.

Their message is clear to us all: The status quo is broken; the old ways of governing are no longer acceptable; it is time for leaders to lead with accountability, treat their people with dignity, respect their rights, and deliver economic opportunity. And if they will not, then it is time for them to go.

Every country in the world stands to learn from these democracy movements, but this wave of activism, which came to be known as the Arab Spring, has particular significance for leaders in Africa and elsewhere who hold on to power at all costs, who suppress dissent, who enrich themselves and their supporters at the expense of their own people. To those leaders our message must be clear: Rise to this historic occasion; show leadership by embracing a true path that honors your people's aspirations; create a future that your young people will believe in, defend, and help build. Because, if you do not—if you believe that the freedoms and opportunities that we speak about as universal should not be shared by your own people, men and women equally, or if you do not desire to help your own people work and live with dignity, you are on the wrong side of history, and time will prove that.

The United States pledges its support for those African nations that are committed to doing the difficult but rewarding work of building a free, peaceful, and prosperous future. And we look to institutions like the African Union, that are dedicated to democracy and good governance, to continue to encourage countries to walk that path or risk isolating themselves further.

Now, of course, creating the conditions that allow people and communities to flourish in a democracy cannot simply be a matter of holding elections; they are a necessary but not sufficient condition. Good governance requires free, fair, and transparent elections, a free media, independent judiciaries, and the protection of minorities. And democracy must also deliver results for people by providing economic opportunity, jobs, and a rising standard of living.

Now, here, again, the map of Africa is lit up with success stories. Six of the world's 10 fastest growing economies in the last decade are in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that percentage is expected to grow in the next five years. At a time when investors everywhere are hunting for promising new markets and worthy new ventures, Africa is attracting attention from all corners.

But a prosperous future is not guaranteed. Several of Africa's highest performing economies are dependent on a single industry or a single export, often a commodity, which we know can have both good and bad consequences. It can discourage the rise of new industries and the jobs that come with them, and it can concentrate a nation's wealth among a privileged few. Meanwhile, even while growth rates skyrocket in some countries, in others they are rising too slowly and it can take too long for growth on paper to translate into jobs that are spread across a country. But it is this desire that is especially urgent among the youth of Africa that cannot be ignored.

When we saw the uprisings first in Tunisia and then in Egypt, they were about both political change and economic change. Too many young people said they had studied, they had worked hard. The tragic story of the young vegetable vendor who finally, in great frustration—because no matter how hard he tried, a corrupt regime would not give him the chance to have the sweat of his brow translated into economic benefits for himself and his family. More than 40 percent of the people living in Africa are under the age of 15. It rises to nearly two thirds if we look at under the age of 30. These young people are all coming of age at once and they are all connected. There are no more secrets because of social media, because that incredible technology can inform a young person in a rural area, where there are no roads, but there are cell phones, what is going on in his capital or in neighboring countries.

Creating jobs and opportunity for these young people is an enormous challenge, and one that I know the African Union is committed to addressing. Your summit later this month is focused on youth empowerment for sustainable development. You are right that young people must be brought into this work themselves, otherwise your hardest working, your best and your brightest, will either be frustrated and act out against the leaders of their country or they will leave to find opportunities in other lands. After all, the people who are speaking out most passionately across Africa are doing so with an eloquence and an advocacy that should, as the older generations, make us proud. These are young people who want to make something of themselves. All they need is the chance to do so.

Countries such as Zambia, Mali, Ghana, and Rwanda have had strong successes with their approaches to development. They have diversified their economies and created jobs across many sectors, which has helped to decrease poverty. They have continuously reinvested in the foundations of their economies, building roads and power plants and expanding access to financial services so more people can start or grow businesses. Based on lessons we've learned from our work around the world, the United States wants to deepen our partnerships with countries that take a broad-based, inclusive, sustainable approach to growth.

The United States pledges its support for those African nations that are committed to doing the difficult but rewarding work of building a free, peaceful, and prosperous future.

Now, I will be the first to admit that too much of our development work in the past provided only temporary aid and not the foundation for lasting change that helps people permanently improve their lives and communities. But the Obama Administration is taking a different approach. Our goal is to help countries' economies grow over time so they can meet their own needs. Ultimately, we believe that the most effective development programs are the ones that put themselves out of business because they spark economic activity, they help create strong institutions, they nourish a private sector that, unleashed, will create more jobs.

And at the same time, we are asking our partners to do their part. How? Increased transparency, strengthen tax systems, fight corruption. Every bribe paid to a customs official or a government employee represents a hidden tax on the cost of doing business and a drag on economic growth. We are making this a priority in our diplomatic engagement, and we look to our partners to take concrete actions to stop corruption. One of the possible benefits of technology is doing what's called electronic government, e-government, putting government services online so you don't have to go through so many hands to get that permit to start a business. And we are encouraging and will work with countries interested in pursuing that kind of opportunity.

We're also putting a new emphasis on trade. I spoke about this a few days ago at the AGOA Forum in Lusaka. During the past decade, Africa's non-oil exports to the United States quadrupled, and we've only begun to tap the potential. We can and we will trade much more with each other. In fact, we are establishing, with a $120 million commitment over the next four years, trade hubs to help businesses write business plans; to learn how to market their products; to get the kind of technical advice that would not be affordable for a small or medium-sized business.

Trade should not only, however, increase across the ocean or the sea to Europe and the United States. Trade has to increase across this continent. There is less trade among the countries within Sub-Saharan Africa than within any other region in the world, and yet there are consumers and there are producers, but there are barriers—tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers, longstanding suspicions that have to be overcome in order to take advantage of the economic engine that Sub-Saharan Africa can be.

I commend those countries and institutions working to accelerate economic integration, such as the East African Community. And last year, the United States became the first country to nominate an ambassador to the EAC, and we are pursuing a partnership to help build a customs union and a common market. And we applaud the efforts that began with the meeting in South Africa, last week, to discuss a tripartite free trade agreement that will lower trade barriers across dozens of countries.

And the vision of an African common market is worth pursuing. This approach is reflected in our Millennium Challenge Compacts, which form partnerships with developing countries devoted to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in one's citizens. You can see it in our Partnerships for Growth Program: We picked four countries in the world that we thought could put all the pieces together, and two of them are in Africa, Tanzania and Ghana. These nations have made strong commitments to democracy, to their own development progress, and we're stepping up our economic relations with these top performers.

Another example of our new approach is our Feed the Future food security initiative. We're investing $3.5 billion in 20 focus countries, including 12 in Africa, to revitalize agricultural sectors so you can increase food production and availability, raise your farmers' incomes, decrease hunger and under-nutrition. And through the Feed the Future, we are supporting the AU's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program, which, we think, has laid the foundation for more effective agricultural policies across the continent. By investing in agriculture and strengthening nations' food security, we will see economies grow and stability increase.

There's another important element of sustainable economic development, and that is improvements in health. Right now, several African countries are making great strides in bringing life-saving health interventions to more of their people. Zambia has significantly reduced mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Nigeria has made great progress in fighting polio through renewed vaccination efforts. And Ethiopia has mobilized an army of 30,000 health workers to bring a basic package of care to remote regions. We are backing these kinds of improvements through our Global Health Initiative, which supports country-led programs and helps countries unite separate health programs into one sustainable health system.

So we are combining our efforts through PEPFAR, through AID, through CDC, and other U.S. Government approaches, because we think health is a critical element of a nation's security. When epidemics are prevented from occurring or ended or controlled quickly, when people can get life-saving care when they need it and return to their jobs and their lives, families are stronger, communities are stronger, and nations are stronger.

And finally, when it comes to economic opportunity and development, we must empower the continent's women. The women of Africa are the hardest working women in the world. And so often—so often what they do is not included in the formal economy, it is not measured in the GDP. And yet, if all the women in Africa, from Cairo to Cape Town, decided they would stop working for a week, the economies of Africa would collapse.

So let's include half the population. Let's treat them with dignity. Let's give them the right and responsibility to make a contribution to the 21^st century of African growth and progress. And the United States will be your partner, because we have seen what a difference it makes when women are educated, when they have access to health care, when they can start businesses, when they can get credit, when they can help support their families. So let us make sure that that remains front and center in the work we do together.

And finally, let me address peace and security. In recent years, a quiet storyline has emerged out of the security challenges that have developed on the continent. More and more, the African Union and Africa's sub-regional organizations and African states, working alone or in concert, are taking the lead in solving Africa's crises. In Somalia, AMISOM, the African Union's peacekeeping mission, thanks to heroic efforts by Ugandan and Burundian soldiers, has helped the Transitional Federal Government make remarkable security gains in Mogadishu over the past couple of months. Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaida, is finally on the defensive, and we see that because they are increasingly resorting to suicide bombers and the targeting of civilians, a sign of desperation.

Now, we expect Somalia's Transitional Federal Government to create political and economic progress to match AMISOM's security progress. It cannot continue operating the way it has in the past. We look to the TFG to resolve their internal divisions and improve the lives of the millions of Somalis who continue to suffer, and we know that the AU will be their partner in doing so.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we remain concerned about the continued violence against women and girls and the activities of armed groups in the eastern region of the country. Every effort by the AU and UN will be necessary to help the DRC respond to these continuing security crises.

And then there is the situation in Sudan: South Sudan is less than one month away from becoming the world's newest state. And the governments of Sudan and South Sudan have made laudable progress in implementing certain provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. But recent developments along the border, particularly in the Abyei region, are deeply troubling. The parties must resolve the remaining CPA issues peacefully through negotiations, not violence. And again, the African Union has played a critical role in facilitating negotiations in Sudan. And I also want to thank the prime minister of Ethiopia, our host country, for everything he has done and is doing as we speak today.

I will have the opportunity later this evening to meet with representatives from both the North and South to add my voice and that of President Obama and my government to the chorus of voices saying the same thing: Resolve your differences, settle the problem in Darfur. And we got some good news out of Doha today that we hope will translate into real progress. But come together and make it possible for both of these countries to have peaceful, prosperous futures.

And there is, of course, another country whose security matters to all of us, and that is Libya. Libya has been the subject of many of our discussions during the past few months. And I believe there is much on which we can agree. There is little question that the kind of activities that, unfortunately, have affected the Libyan people for more than 40 years run against the tide of history. And there is little question that despite having the highest nominal GDP in Africa, thanks to oil, Libya's wealth was too concentrated within Qadhafi's circle.

But of course, all the countries here are not in agreement about the steps that the international community, under the United Nations Security Council, have taken in Libya up to this point. Having looked at the information available, the Security Council, including the three African members, supported a UN mandate to protect civilians, prevent slaughter, and create conditions for a transition to a better future for the Libyan people themselves.

Now, I know there are some who still believe that the actions of the UN and NATO were not called for. And I know it's true that over many years Mr. Qadhafi played a major role in providing financial support for many African nations and institutions, including the African Union. But it has become clearer by the day that he has lost his legitimacy to rule, and we are long past time when he can or should remain in power.

So I hope and believe that while we may disagree about some of what has brought us to this place, we can reach agreement about what must happen now. For as long as Mr. Qadhafi remains in Libya, the people of Libya will be in danger, refugee flows by the thousands will continue out of Libya, regional instability will likely increase, and Libya's neighbors will bear more and more of the consequences. None of this is acceptable, and Qadhafi must leave power.

I urge all African states to call for a genuine ceasefire and to call for Qadhafi to step aside. I also urge you to suspend the operations of Qadhafï's embassies in your countries, to expel pro-Qadhafi diplomats, and to increase contact and support for the Transitional National Council. Your words and your actions could make the difference in bringing this situation to finally close and allowing the people of Libya, on an inclusive basis, in a unified Libya, to get to work writing a constitution and rebuilding their country. The world needs the African Union to lead. The African Union can help guide Libya through the transition you described in your organization's own statements, a transition to a new government based on democracy, economic opportunity, and security.

As we look to the future, we want to work with the African Union not only to react to conflicts and crises but to get ahead of them, to work together on a positive agenda that will stop crises before they start. And I think we can find many areas for collaboration.

On youth engagement, which is a priority for both the AU and President Obama, we seek to pursue a specific work plan with you. On democracy and good governance we already work together to monitor elections across Africa. Now we need to do more to help countries strengthen democratic institutions. On economic growth and trade the AU plays a major role in building Africa's sub-regional architecture, and we stand ready to support you.

So I want to commend Africa's institutions for what you have already accomplished, and in some cases, just a few years after your creation. And I will pledge my country's support as you continue this work. Whether you seek to deepen the integration among your members, improve coordination, or reform your operations, we will be with you.

A good example that the chairman mentioned is what we can offer in the work we are doing to help reform the UN's support for the African Union here in Addis Ababa. The UN and the African Union asked the United States to identify ways their work together could become more effective and strategic. We said yes, and now there are people at the State Department focused on this issue working closely with many of you in this room.

And as has already been announced, we are rejoining the UN Economic Commission for Africa, another sign of our commitment to engaging with Africa's regional institutions.

On this trip to Africa, I am reminded every hour that for every challenge now facing Africa, a solution can be found somewhere in Africa. You do not have to look far afield to see political, economic, and social success.

Earlier I mentioned the Arab Spring, a name that suggests the blossoming of something new. And what is now blooming across the Arab states has already taken root in many African nations, commitment to democracy, recognition of human rights, investment in economic health and education programs, and an emphasis on meeting the needs of our young people.

Across this continent the work is underway, but there is a long season ahead. So I urge you not to be impatient; do not grow weary while doing good. Keep showing leadership. Keep building a path to a future worthy of the talents and aspirations of the young men and women of Africa. The United States believes deeply in these values. We believe passionately in the promise and potential of pluralistic democracies, of free markets. We welcome to our shores immigrants from every country represented here, and we can see the success stories that so many of them have built in the United States. But I have never met an immigrant from Africa who has not said he or she wished they could have done the very same in their own country, among their own people, close to their family, eating the food, smelling the flowers, seeing the sights that are in their blood. I want to see that for Africa, where people are coming home to Africa because this is where opportunity for the future resides.

Thank you and God bless you.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Earlier today, the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement signed an agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which will reduce tensions in Abyei and improve the security and humanitarian situation on the ground. I spoke with leaders from both sides in Addis Ababa last week and I have had more phone discussions with Sudanese leaders since. I know these negotiations have not been easy. I commend both parties for resolving their differences peacefully after the outbreak of violence.

I also want to thank the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel and its chairman Thabo Mbeki, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles, and UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan Haile Menkerios for the important role each played in facilitating dialogue between the parties. The agreement signed today is an important first step—but the real test of the parties' commitment will be the full implementation of its provisions in the coming days. We will work within the UN Security Council to seek a resolution authorizing the agreed-upon interim security force to support the swift deployment of the Ethiopian peacekeepers. At the same time, I urge all parties to follow through on their commitment to withdraw their military forces and take steps to facilitate the return of the tens of thousands of people displaced by recent fighting.

The United States is still concerned about on-going violence in Southern Kordofan and the resulting humanitarian crisis. We call on both sides to allow unfettered access for aid workers to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need. We also urge Sudanese leaders in Addis Ababa to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities.

By channeling this cooperative spirit that led to a successful referendum, and by continuing the dialogue that led to the agreement on the withdrawal of forces from Abyei, Sudan's leaders can still work together in the lead up to July and start a new chapter in their country's history. One of peace, prosperity, and closer ties with the international community.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf delivered these remarks in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. Well, it is, as always, a great personal pleasure for me to welcome the president of Liberia. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has provided not only very productive, positive leadership for her own country but has been a leader in Africa and beyond on a range of issues. And I'm looking forward to our conversation today on the agenda between us bilaterally and how we can work together regionally and globally.

President Sirleaf. I'm glad to be here once again, Secretary Clinton, to express to you and through you to the government and people of the United States our appreciation for the support Liberia has received, to say to you that we've made progress and that we're now moving ahead in our program of democracy in this particular year, and we want you to know that we are determined that Liberia will become America and the world's post-conflict success story. We are well on the way toward achieving that objective.

Secretary Clinton. Thank you so much, President.

President Sirleaf. Thank you all.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. I am delighted to congratulate the people of Mozambique on your 36th anniversary of independence this June 25.

Our two countries share a commitment to economic development, improved living standards, and good governance for all Mozambicans. Together, we are working to improve infrastructure through the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, providing quality health care through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the President's Malaria Initiative, and encouraging investment to spur economic growth and job creation. The United States is committed to helping Mozambique strengthen education programs, increase agricultural production, and improve democratic governance.

I wish the Mozambican people a joyful independence celebration and a peaceful and prosperous year to come.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. The United States commends the swift passage of UN Security Council resolution 1990, which approves the mandate requested by Sudanese leaders to facilitate the deployment of up to 4200 Ethiopian peacekeepers to the Abyei region of Sudan.

Abyei has been a source of regional tension for many years, as the world witnessed last month when Sudanese Armed Forces forcibly took control of the region, resulting in widespread displacement and looting.

The approval of this force is a critical step in implementing the June 20 agreement signed by the parties, whereby the Sudanese Armed Forces will withdraw from the Abyei area along with any Sudan People's Liberation Army forces there. An Ethiopian brigade will deploy as the United Nations Interim Security Force to enforce this withdrawal and maintain security throughout the Abyei region.

We urge the Sudanese Government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement to make good on their commitments to withdraw forces from Abyei and use the talks facilitated by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel to reach mutual agreement on the future status of Abyei.

While the United States welcomes this Security Council resolution regarding Abyei, we remain deeply concerned about the on-going crisis in Southern Kordofan. Tens of thousands of people have been driven from their homes, and there are reports of very serious human rights abuses and violence targeting individuals based on their ethnicity and political affiliation. Also of concern is the troubling detention of Sudanese local staff members of the UN Mission in Sudan by Sudanese authorities last week as they were being evacuated from the airport in Kadugli. While two staff members have been released, five remain in the custody of Sudanese military officials. We call on the Sudanese Government to release them immediately and cease any harassment and intimidation of UN personnel in Southern Kordofan. We urge the parties to reach an immediate ceasefire and to provide aid workers with the unfettered access required to deliver humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians affected by the conflict.

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered this statement in Washington, DC

Secretary Clinton. On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as you celebrate the fifty-first anniversary of your independence this June 30.

Our two countries have a long history of partnership on many issues of mutual importance. Today, we are working to build on this history of cooperation to strengthen this relationship even more. The United States stands behind the Congolese Government and people as you work to improve security, respect the rule of law, and ensure the protection of human rights. We are looking forward to successful presidential and legislative elections in November to demonstrate Congolese commitment to the principles of a free and transparent democratic system. And we encourage all Congolese citizens to participate in the voting process so that your voices may be heard.

On this special day, I wish the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo a safe and happy celebration. The United States is committed to a brighter future for all Congolese citizens—men and women—so that they may have the opportunity to realize their potential.