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More information about Cote d'Ivoire is available on the Cote d'Ivoire Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-COTE D'IVOIRE RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Cote d'Ivoire (then called Ivory Coast) in 1960 following its independence from France. A coup in 1999 ushered in several years of coup attempts, disputed elections, rebellions, and attempts at reunification. In 2011, a new president was formally inaugurated after a period of fighting brought on by the incumbent's refusal to cede power following 2010 elections.
U.S.-Ivoirian relations have traditionally been friendly and close. The United States participates in the international effort to assist Cote d'Ivoire in moving beyond its decade-long crisis, providing more than a quarter of the funding for the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire. The U.S. Government’s overriding interests in Cote d’Ivoire have long been to help restore peace, encourage disarmament and reunification of the country, and support a democratic government whose legitimacy can be accepted by all the citizens of Cote d’Ivoire.
U.S. Assistance to Cote d'Ivoire
U.S. assistance aims to support multi-ethnic participation in the democratic process in lieu of violence and separation; enhance capacity of national, provincial, and local governmental institutions, the media, and civil society leading to better governance and increased public confidence in the democratic process; support electoral and follow-on activities; increase respect for the rule of law and human rights; and address the HIV/AIDS epidemic through expanded access to prevention, care, and treatment services.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Cote d'Ivoire is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Cote d'Ivoire include plastics, machinery, oil, agricultural products, vehicles, and iron and steel products. U.S. imports from Cote d'Ivoire include cocoa, oil, rubber, wood, and cashew nuts. U.S. firms have made investments in oil and gas, banking, cocoa, and international courier services. The United States has a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Cote d'Ivoire is a member.
Cote d'Ivoire's Membership in International Organizations
Cote d'Ivoire and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire is Phillip Carter III; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Cote d'Ivoire maintains an embassy in the United States at 2424 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007; tel: 202-797-0300.
More information about Cote d'Ivoire is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Cote d'Ivoire Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Cote d'Ivoire Page
U.S. Embassy: Cote d'Ivoire
History of U.S. Relations With Cote d'Ivoire
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics (see Ivory Coast)
Export.gov International Offices Page
Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Page
Library of Congress Country Studies (see Ivory Coast)
Travel and Business Information
