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On 5/18/2009 1:59:34 PM General William Ward wrote
I just returned from a productive visit to southeast Africa and I want to share with you some of the things that I experienced during the trip.
Our first stop was to the inviting country of Tanzania. After meeting with our Embassy teammates I had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Defense Forces, to discuss how our two countries can partner together for a more stable and secure region and continent. Tanzania has a newly formed battalion that will soon head to the Darfur region of Sudan to participate as peacekeepers in that troubled part of the world.
Our next stop was the days main event. I had the opportunity to participate in a trilateral, peacekeeping equipment transfer and training graduation ceremony. This event represents a partnership between the Governments of Tanzania, United Kingdom, and United States and marked the transfer of nearly eight million dollars worth of military equipment to the Tanzanian Peoples Defense Force. The Tanzanian Government, the U.K. and the U.S. partnered to train and equip the deploying Tanzanian unit. The soldiers gave a spirited demonstration of the capabilities of two of the 30 Armored Personnel Carriers Tanzania received as a part of the ceremony. I wish them the best of luck as they depart to promote peace and stability in Darfur.
Our next stop was in the scenic country of Swaziland. I met with our Ambassador and his Country Team and followed with visits to the Umbutfo Swazi Defense Forces Commander, the Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Defense, the Swazi Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister, and His majesty King Mswati III. I had the opportunity to listen and learn about the Swazi military and hear about the preparations for Africa Commands largest medical exercise of the year, MEDFLAG 09, which will occur later this summer.
I visited the Phocweni Military Clinics Voluntary Counseling and Treatment Center and saw first hand the wonderful partnership that our DoD HIV and AIDs Prevention Program plays with PEPFAR and other AIDS/HIV-related support for the people of Swaziland. The counselors and medical staff are as dedicated as I have seen anywhere and were very grateful for the facilities, equipment, and supplies from the people of the United States.
Our third stop was the impressive country of Mozambique. I met with the Charge d Affaires and members of his Country Team, and continued our efforts to better understand our partners perspectives. I met later that morning with the Prime Minister and the President. Much of the discussion focused on peacekeeping activities and maritime security issues in Mozambiques territorial waters.
That afternoon we headed to the Polytecnica University in the capitol city of Maputo where I met briefly with members of the Mozambican media. I then spoke to a crowd of approximately 200 students, media, Defense Attaches, and interested citizens. After the speech I engaged in a lengthy question and answer session with those present. The next event was a coffee with many of the Diplomats posted in Maputo. We had a good discussion about regional security issues and how our respective governments can work better together.
In sum, this was an informative trip to southeast Africa. We, as always, sought and gained a better understanding of our partners concerns and needs and built upon existing relationships to improve peace and security on the Continent.
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