ICYMI: Senator Coons and Secretary Clinton travel to Africa
From the Associated Press: Over the weekend, Senator Chris Coons traveled to Liberia with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others as part of the official U.S. delegation to the inauguration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The Associated Press ran a story detailing efforts by Liberia and other countries in West Africa to develop into stable, prosperous, democratic nations.
Senator Coons, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, has been a strong advocate for American investment in Africa’s rapidly expanding economy. He believes that working with Africa will not only make the continent more stable and increase global security, it will also create jobs and economic opportunity here in the United States. With China making significant headway in the region, America can’t afford to be left behind.
Excerpt from the article:
Across town and above the stunted concrete edifices of Liberia's capital stood the nearly as new Chinese Embassy, a reminder of the Asian power's growing commercial and diplomatic clout in Africa. With diamonds and timber, and possibly even offshore oil, Liberia is typical of many African countries waiting for a surge in prosperity and a partner to share in the spoils of its increased development.
"We're missing an important strategic opportunity for the United States," warned Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Del. "China is taking advantage of our absence as a major funder of infrastructure and is advancing their economic and, I think, policy agenda across the continent."
Click here to read the full story on the CBS News site.
Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on foreign policy.
Click here to read Chris’ opening statement from the Senate Foreign Relations African Affairs Subcommittee hearing he chaired, entitled “China’s Role in Africa: Implications for U.S. Policy.”