United States President Joe Biden has announced his plan to host African leaders in Washington for a US-Africa Summit in December.
In a statement on Wednesday, President Biden said he will hold the summit to “demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa.”
The summit “will underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities,” Biden said.
The president did not specify the guest list for the summit. But Reuters news agency reported about 50 African leaders are expected to join him for the December 13-15 series of meetings.
Biden said the summit “will build on our shared values to better foster” economic engagement, and promote democracy and human rights.
The summit is also expected to discuss pressing issues related to health, peace and security, food security, and climate change.
Biden, who has yet to visit Africa since becoming president, believes that US collaboration with leaders from African governments, civil society, the private sector and the African diaspora will help tackle some of the challenges.
