"Mr. Bush Receives Five African Democratic Leaders"

I thank everyone here. Welcome to the White House. I want to express my gratitude to the five presidents who are with us today: President Mogae of Botswana, President Kufuor of Ghana, President Guebuza of Mozambique, President Pohamba of Namibia and President Tandja of Niger, five great patriots, democrats and friends.
All the presidents gathered here represent countries that have organized democratic elections this year. What a great assertion of how important democracy is for the African continent! We all have the vital commitment of promoting democracy and progress in that continent. In order to achieve it, we must encourage a mutually beneficial trade exchange. That’s the direction of the law regarding economic growth and opportunities in Africa. By virtue of that law, the African States can get more access to our market by expressing their undertaking in favor of an economic and political reform, respecting the Human Rights, removing the commercial barriers, consolidating the property rights and giving priority to the law, exactly what the leaders of these five nations are doing.
Due to the success of that law, I have, on two occasions, promulgated measures that have consolidated its completion and extended its advantages for a long time. Last year, U.S. imports coming from the countries favored by that law were increased in 88% and non-oil imports in 22%. It is out of that market opening that wealth is produced. And it is interesting to note that during this same period of time, U.S. exports to Sub-Saharan Africa were increased in 25%. In other words, this is a two-way street. That law generates advantages for both Americans and Africans and it is important for our compatriots to know that. In December, I announced that 37 African countries could enjoy the advantages of that law.
Simultaneously, the United States are intensifying its efforts to reduce hunger, to reduce the debt, to fight diseases in Africa. We are developing the Millenium Challenge
Account and I have informed that the United States will contribute nearly $674 million additional dollars to cover the urgent humanitarian needs in Africa. On Saturday, we also informed about an agreement established among the G-8 member industrial countries with a view to cancel $40 000 million dollars off the debt faced by 18 of the poorest countries in the world, of which 14 are located in Africa. We’re also carrying out anti-AIDS programs. This is all but an example of the initiatives we are taking with the purpose of helping African leaders carry democracy, prosperity and hope to their peoples.
One more time, I am honored to have you here. Thank you for having come. God bless you all.