U.S. Embassy in Madagascar

Aired: Friday, February 5, 2021

Hello everyone, I’m honored to send the best wishes of the people of the United States in advance of the 34th African Union Summit.

This past year has also shown us how interconnected our world is – and how our fates are bound up together.

That’s why my administration is committed to rebuilding our partnerships around the world and re- engaging with international institutions like the African Union.

We must all work together to advance our shared vision of a better future.

A future of growing trade and investment that advances the prosperity of all our nations. A future that advances lives of peace and security for all our citizens.

A future committed to investing in our democratic institutions and promoting the human rights of all people— women and girls, LGBTQI individuals, people with disabilities, and people of every ethnic background, religion, and heritage.

To reach this future, we must also confront the serious challenges we face.

That includes investing more in global health— defeating COVID-19 and working to prevent, detect, and respond to future public health crises, and partnering with the Africa CDC and other institutions to advance health security.

Raising our climate ambitions and ensuring developing nations can mitigate and adapt to the climate impacts that are already causing pain.

And engaging in sustained diplomacy, in concert with the African Union, to address conflicts that are costing lives across the African continent.
None of it will be easy.

But the United States stands ready to be your partner, in solidarity, support, and mutual respect.

We believe in the nations of Africa.

In the continent-wide spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

And though the challenges are great, there is no doubt that our nations, our people, and the African Union are up to this task.

Thank you.