Johannesburg, 22 Feb. United States First Lady Jill Biden arrived in Namibia today at the start of an African tour that will also take her to Kenya this week as part of her husband President Joe Biden’s commitment to strengthen ties with the continent.
It’s her sixth trip to Africa, although her first as first lady, as Biden clarified on her Twitter social media account before leaving Washington on Tuesday.
“I have always believed that supporting women and young people around the world is essential for our shared future, with education, health and empowerment at the center of everything,” Joe Biden’s wife said about issues she will address on tour.
“My journey begins in Namibia, where vibrant and engaged youth are driving a strong young democracy. Then in Kenya, I will listen to those affected by historic drought and ongoing food insecurity, who have been exacerbated by the ripple effect of aggression from Russia to Ukraine,” he said.
“Our world is connected: what happens beyond the oceans affects us all. We will honor our shared democratic values and reaffirm our commitment to the future of Namibia and Kenya,” the first lady added.
Biden arrived at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, where he was received by Namibian First Lady Monica Geingos, with whom he plans to visit Heroes’ Acre, an official war memorial for the South African country, today today.
Tonight, the American First Lady is due to meet Namibian President Hage Geingob and his wife at State House, the seat of the presidency.
Already on Thursday, Biden will attend a lunch with the presidential couple and make some comments.
Later today, the first lady will visit a local organization in Katutura, a suburb of Windhoek, to highlight a U.S. government program that supports youth, women, and families to improve access to economic opportunities and skills. health care. .
On Friday morning, he will address Namibian students on the role of youth in shaping the future and strengthening democracy.
Later, Jill Biden will travel to Kenya, the last leg of a tour that will end next Sunday.
The trip follows the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington last December, where Joe Biden announced more than $15 billion in bilateral trade and investment commitments, agreements and partnerships.
Additionally, the Biden government is trying to woo Africa to support Ukraine in the war Russia has launched against that country in 2022, which marks one year this Friday.