Posted by: APO | 23 February 2008

Bush / Africa / USA / Benin / Tanzania / Ghana / Liberia

February 16-22, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008

President and Mrs. Bush arrived in Benin, where President Bush was presented with the Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin. Later, he participated in a joint press availability with President Yayi of Benin.

“We’ve come to talk about our mutual interests, but we would not be talking about this mutual interests if, Mr. President, you didn’t believe in certain truths and certain values, that all human beings have dignity, that people need a government that responds to their desires and wishes. And so I come bringing the warm friendship of the people of the United States, and reaffirm our desire to help strengthen your democracy by helping the people here realize their God-given talents.”

President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with President Yayi of Benin

President Bush Presented Grand Cross of the National Order of Benin

Sunday, February 17, 2008

President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Tanzania. President Bush participated in a roundtable on PEPFAR with President Kikwete of Tanzania, and later participated in a joint press availability with President Kikwete.

“We are partners in democracy. We believe that governments ought to respond to the people. We’re also partners in fighting disease, extending opportunity and working for peace. Mr. President, I mentioned I was proud to sign, along with the President, the largest Millennium Challenge Account in the history of the United States here in Tanzania. (Applause.) It will provide nearly $700 million over five years to improve Tanzania’s transportation network, secure reliable supplies of energy, and expand access to clean and safe water.”

President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with President Kikwete of Tanzania

President Bush Participates in Roundtable on PEPFAR with President Kikwete of Tanzania

Remarks by President Bush and President Kikwete of Tanzania in An Exchange of Toasts

Monday, February 18, 2008

President and Mrs. Bush toured Meru District Hospital in Tanzania and discussed malaria.

“For years malaria has been a health crisis in sub-Sahara Africa. The disease keeps sick workers home, schoolyards quiet, communities in mourning. The suffering caused by malaria is needless and every death caused by malaria is unacceptable. It is unacceptable. It is unacceptable to people here in Africa, who see their families devastated and economies crippled. It is unacceptable to people in the United States, who believe every human life has value, and that the power to save lives comes with the moral obligation to use it.”

President Bush Tours Meru District Hospital, Discusses Malaria

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

President and Mrs. Bush participated in a departure ceremony in Tanzania. Later, they participated in an arrival ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda. After, President and Mrs. Bush visited the Kigali Memorial Centre.

Later, the President met with the President Kagame of Rwanda and participated in an expanded meeting with the President of Rwanda. Afterwards, President and Mrs. Bush participated in a joint press availability with the President of Rwanda and said, “our discussions not only centered on the issues facing Rwanda, but also how we can work together to bring peace to different parts of the continent of Africa.” After, President and Mrs. Bush participated in a social lunch with the President Kagame of Rwanda and Mrs. Kagame.

In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush participated in the dedication of the United States Embassy Kigali. Later, they visited Lycee de Kigali.

“We had good discussions on a variety of subjects. It is really inspiring for us to see people who have endured such suffering respond with such hope. I really do want to congratulate you and the people in Rwanda for the remarkable recovery you have made. And I assure you, you have a steady friend in the United States. I appreciate the opportunity to visit with your cabinet, as well. It’s important for my fellow citizens to know that I’m dealing with a respected leader, not only here at home but in the region.”

President Bush Visits Kigali Memorial Centre in Rwanda

President Bush Discusses Kosovo

President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with President Kagame of Rwanda

PPresident Bush and President Kagame of Rwanda Dedicate United States Embassy Kigali

Fact Sheet: United States-Rwanda Bilateral Investment Treaty

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

President and Mrs. Bush participated in an arrival ceremony in Ghana. Afterwards, President Bush met with President Kufuor of Ghana. He then participated in an expanded meeting and joint press availability with President Kufuor.

In the afternoon, President and Mrs. Bush participated in a United States Embassy Greeting. Afterwards, they participated in lunch with Peace Corps volunteers. For 46 years, the Peace Corps has worked to improve U.S.-Ghana relations, providing training in a variety of subjects including eco-tourism, small business development, information communications technology, and health. Volunteers also teach science, math, and visual arts to 7,600 students in public secondary schools and schools for the deaf, and all Volunteers promote HIV/AIDS awareness. Later, President and Mrs. Bush visited with USAID West Africa Trade Hub Beneficiaries. The USAID West Africa Trade Hub works through the African Global Competitiveness Initiative to make trade happen in 21 countries across the region. The Trade Hub is a central point where West Africans, U.S. government agencies, and bilateral and multilateral donors can get information on trade enhancement, investment, and business development activities in West Africa. After, the President will participate in a tee ball game.

In the evening, President and Mrs. Bush participated in a State Dinner with President and Mrs. Kufuor.

“Today Ghana and the United States are working to strengthen democracy and good government. Together we’re harnessing the power of global trade to alleviate poverty. And, Mr. President, rest assured I will work to complete the Doha Round. (Applause.) Together we’re working to preserve peace, combat disease and help ensure that all of Ghana’s citizens can give their children what we all want for our children: a more hopeful future. ”

President Bush Participates in Press Availability with President Kufuor of Ghana/A>

President Bush Participates in United States Embassy Greeting, Discusses Malaria

President Bush Meets with Peace Corps Volunteers

President Bush Meets with President Kufuor of Ghana

President Bush Attends Tee Ball Game in Ghana

President Bush and President Kufuor Exchange Toasts

Ask the White House
Mrs. Laura Bush, First Lady, discussed the her trip to Africa with the President.

Thursday, February 21 , 2008

President and Mrs. Bush participated in an arrival ceremony in Liberia. Afterwards, President Bush met with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and said “I want the people of Liberia to know … the United States stands with you. We want to help you recover from a terrible period. We want you to build lives of hope and peace.” He then participated in an expanded meeting and joint press availability with President Sirleaf.

In the afternoon, President and Mrs. Bush participated in a gowning and investiture ceremony. Afterwards, they participated in a social lunch with President Sirleaf. Later, President and Mrs. Bush participated in an Embassy Greeting. Following the greeting, the President made remarks at the Barclay Training Center. After, President and Mrs. Bush participated in an education roundtable at the University of Liberia.

“I want the people of Liberia to know, Madam President, the United States stands with you. We want to help you recover from a terrible period. We want you to build lives of hope and peace. And under your leadership, that’s exactly what’s happening. It’s my honor to have presented you with the National Medal of Freedom; it’s the highest civilian award a President can give, and I did so because of your courage and your leadership. And we are so excited to be with you.”

President Bush Presented with Key to the City by President Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia

President Bush and President Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia Exchange Toasts

President Bush Visits Barclay Training Center in Liberia

President Bush and President Johnson Sirleaf Participate in Roundtable on Education

Friday, February 22, 2008

No official public events.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Press Gaggle by Dana Perino and Bobby Pittman, Special Assistant to the President for African Affairs


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