By Samuel Ouma
The US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken described Cabo Verde as a beacon of stability amid chaos and conflicts that have marred most of the West African countries.
Blinken, who kicked off his week-long African tour in the island country on Monday, January 22, hailed the American-Cabo Verde partnership in law enforcement and drug interdiction.
He met with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva in Cabo Verde’s capital, Praia, and emphasized the American government’s commitment to deepening win-win partnerships with Africa.
“As President Biden has said, we are all in when it comes to Africa. But I have to tell you there’s a good reason that we’re starting here in Cabo Verde, and that’s because you have been and you are a remarkable partner for the United States,” said Blinken.
He also visited the city’s port, Porto da Praia, funded by Millennium Challenge Corporation, grant deals earmarked to fund specific programs that support economic growth.
The secretary applauded the country for being the first to complete two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts and is now beginning the third.
“I’m deeply honored that we were able through one of the compacts to make substantial investments in the port here of Praia, and that’s had manifest benefits for the port,” he stated.
Blinken also congratulated Cabo Verde on being certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization.
“I have to congratulate you on the malaria -free certification for Cabo Verde, which is also a remarkable achievement,” added Blinken.
Furthermore, he stated that the United States and Cabo Verde collaborate on projects involving multiple countries. The partnerships will provide numerous benefits to the people of Cabo Verde and America.
He hailed the country for making it to the knockout stage in the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
From Cabo Verde, Blinken headed to Cote d’Ivoire before heading to Angola and Nigeria. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between the US and Africa.
