Statement at the United States-Africa Ministerial Partnership for the 21st Century

"It is my fervent hope that US-Africa partnership will make a major contribution to fostering a proper understanding of Africa's interests and its potential. Far too often, African interests are either ignored or distorted in global interactions. Our setbacks are overly projected at the expense of our successes. This has not only undermined our efforts at change but also has contributed to increased transaction costs and missed opportunities. Africa's partnership with America should transcend these distortions." - Dr. Salim, March 16, 1999