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The US-Africa Leaders’ Summit has reshaped the relationship between Africa and the United States and augurs well for cooperation for mutual benefit into the future, said President Jacob Zuma on his return to South Africa today, at the conclusion of his three-day visit to the US to attend the Summit at the invitation of US President Barack Obama.
President Zuma had joined other African Heads of State and Government in the first Summit between Africa and the US to discuss matters relating to boosting trade andinvestments as well as cooperation on matters of peace, security and governance.

“There had been a good relationship already between Africa and the US but this summit has reshaped it and has taken it to another level. There are many opportunities for further development of this relationship and we look forward to further engagement especially since we agreed to another summit to take matters forward. We believe a new phase has begun, and that even future administrations, long after President Obama has completed his last term, will find it difficult to ignore Africa following this initiative, ’’ said President Zuma.

The President welcomed the commitment secured for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). “We are also optimistic that the African Growth and Opportunity Act will be renewed and with South Africa’s inclusion as a beneficiary. We successfully conveyed the message that South Africa’s graduation from AGOA would damage the African Union’s regional integration initiatives, as well as industries in neighbouring countries that benefit from South Africa’smanufacturing capability. Benefits to South Africa are immense, we can onlytrust that this matter will be concluded successfully and to mutual benefit, ’’ the President said.
President Zuma also welcomed the indication of support for the African peacekeeping and peace-making mechanisms.

“We secured a buy-in from the US for Africa’s peace and security initiatives, including support for capacitation of the African Standby Force.  They understand our position very clearly that we want support but that this process must be African-led and African-controlled. As President Obama said, the boots must be African. We believe we are finding one another on these matters,’’ said President Zuma.

The President also welcomed the Mandela Washington Leadership youth initiative established by President Obama which takes African youth to the US for training and leadership mentoring. However, he said, “this programme also needed to have the participation of Africa. There should be a way of involving us in the management of this programme so that there is co-ownership of this important leadership process’’.

President Zuma was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, the Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters, the Minister of Science and Technology Ms Naledi Pandor and the Minister of State Security, Mr David Mahlobo.