Secretary Rice: Travel to Africa, February 15-21

President Bush and President Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia Exchange Toasts President Bush (Feb. 21): "It is easy to destroy a country; it is hard to rebuild a country. And I, Madam President, I want you to know that the United States of America supports you as you rebuild your country. We share a special history with Liberia. It's a history that is deep, and I want the people of your beautiful country to know that our help is just beginning." Full Text

Secretary Rice traveled with the President and Mrs. Bush to Africa from February 15-21, 2008. They visited Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia. This trip was an opportunity for the President to review firsthand the significant progress since his last visit in 2003 in efforts to increase economic development and fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other treatable diseases, as a result of the United States robust programs in these areas. Secretary Rice traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, February 18, “to support the work of the former Secretary General, and to deliver a message directly to Kenya's leaders and people: There must be an immediate halt to violence, there must be justice for the victims of abuse, and there must be a full return to democracy.” Secretary Rice voiced U.S. support for the ongoing political reconciliation negotiations that will help Kenya move beyond its post-election crisis. She met with negotiation mediator, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, as well as President Mwai Kibaki, opposition leader Raila Odinga, and members of Kenya’s civil society and business community. The Secretary’s trip underscores our commitment to assisting both sides with the crucial task of agreeing on a common way forward that will bring peace and stability to Kenya, and help the country regain its role as a democratic and economically robust regional leader. --02/18/08 Remarks After Her Meeting with Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan --02/18/08 Next Steps for Resolving the Crisis in Kenya White House Site on Travel to Africa --02/19/08 Fact Sheet The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief --02/19/08 Fact Sheet The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Rwanda --02/19/08 Fact Sheet The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Tanzania