FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 17, 1998
Contact: Carrie Hyun
Tel.: (202) 366-5565
DOT 28-98
SECRETARY SLATER’S AFRICA TRIP
TO PROMOTE TRANSPORTATION, TRADE, DEVELOPMENT
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater will travel to four African nations, departing on Friday, Feb. 20, to advance President Clinton’s initiative to promote transportation development and economic growth in Africa.
The Secretary will visit Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and South Africa between Feb. 20 and 25.
"This mission will affirm President Clinton’s commitment to building a global partnership with the nations of Africa for growth and opportunity, while focusing on the development of transportation systems which are so vital to the continent’s growth," Secretary Slater said. "The marginalization of Africa is over. We must build strong, more effective bridges within African nations, between African nations, and between the United States and Africa."
The trip continues Secretary Slater’s activity in promoting transportation development and economic growth in Africa. Last July he participated in the African-African American Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, where he discussed transportation, trade, investment and development with a number of African leaders. He also convened in October a roundtable of American and African leaders in Washington to support and strengthen the President’s initiative.
In addition, a U.S. government delegation met with representatives of 25 African nations last October to discuss liberalizing and expanding U.S.-Africa aviation services.
During his trip, the Secretary will build upon the President’s commitment to promote an economic partnership with African nations. He will express U.S. support for the continuation and expansion of reforms aimed at opening economies and creating an environment where trade and investment can flourish. He also will examine how the United States can work with African nations to foster development and spur transportation infrastructure improvement.
###