The White House announced on Tuesday (September 24) that President Biden will visit Germany and Angola from October 10 to 15.
During his visit to Germany, Biden will meet with German leaders to further strengthen the close ties between the United States and Germany as allies and friends, and to coordinate on “common priorities.” The President will also reinforce the commitment of the United States and Germany to democracy, combat anti-Semitism and hatred, enhance lasting connections between the peoples of the two countries, and promote cooperation in economics, trade, and technology.
He will also express gratitude to German leaders for their support of Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression, hosting American troops, and contributing to the security of the United States, Germany, and the entire NATO alliance.
According to Bloomberg,
Insiders familiar with Biden’s plans revealed that he may also visit the “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe” in Berlin. However, the details of this trip are still being finalized, and they requested anonymity to share his itinerary details.
The Biden administration has been combating the rise of anti-Semitism both domestically and internationally.
The White House stated that from October 13 to 15, President Biden will travel to Luanda, the capital of Angola. There, he will meet with Angolan President Joao Lourenço to discuss enhancing cooperation on common priorities, including strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries to “sustain competitiveness for our businesses and protect workers.” The President will also celebrate a landmark project of the Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership (GIIP) of the Group of Seven (G7), which advances the shared vision of the first transcontinental open rail network in Africa, starting from Lobito and ultimately connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
The White House also mentioned that President Biden’s visit to Luanda aims to celebrate the development of U.S.-Angola relations, emphasize America’s ongoing commitment to African partners, and demonstrate collaboration in addressing common challenges that will benefit the people of the United States and the entire African continent.
Biden originally planned to visit Angola at the end of last year, but his trip was postponed due to the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October last year.
The United States and China have been vying for influence in Africa. Biden has pledged that as China makes significant investments in the region, the United States will establish closer partnerships with democratic countries on the African continent.
The trips to Germany and Angola will be Biden’s first overseas visits since withdrawing from the presidential race in July this year. This underscores two priorities of the U.S. government: maintaining and strengthening relations with European allies and expanding economic and security connections with Africa.