Embassy of the United States

In a letter addressed to Ambassador Ali containing his reply to the Letter of Credence from Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare, President Bush said the United States “stands ready to support” the African Union, which he described as “integral to the continued growth and successful future of Africa.”  He noted the historic significance of his country’s decision to become the “first non-African Country to establish a separate diplomatic mission to the organization,” and reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to “building and strengthening the relationship between the states and peoples of Africa.”  This “commitment to Africa,” he said, is “demonstrated in part by assistance programs such as PEPFAR,” the President Emergency Plan for Aid Relief, “and by the growing economic and commercial relationship that the United States has with the continent.”  In particular, the President pointed to the fact that “U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa increased 242 percent between 2000 and 2006.”

The President concluded by personally welcoming Ambassador Ali and said he “anticipate(s) working closely with” her as the “chief representative of the African Union on issues of mutual concern” to Africa and the United States. He wished her success “during her tour as the first Ambassador of the African Union to the United States.”