    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 10, 2002]
    [Pages 2181-2182]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by the United States of America, the Republic of Kenya,
    and Ethiopia
    December 10, 2002

        At the invitation of President George W. Bush, President Daniel T.
    arap Moi of Kenya and Prime Minister
    Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia met at the White House
    on Thursday, December 5, 2002.
        The leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment in the global war on
    terrorism. They recognized the significant and unique challenges of
    fighting terrorism, which continues to pose a serious threat to the
    region and the world. To this end, the three leaders reaffirmed their
    commitment to work together and, with the international community, to
    eliminate terror networks and actively oppose those governments and
    organizations that support, harbor, or tolerate terrorist activities.
        The leaders renewed their determination for lasting peace and
    security in the region and recognized that freedom and democracy
    comprise the foundation of these objectives. President Bush expressed
    his appreciation for the efforts of Kenya and Ethiopia in the peace
    process in Sudan and the reconciliation process in Somalia. He also
    indicated his confidence in a smooth election and transition process in
    Kenya, and the prompt and continuous progress in the Ethiopia-Eritrea
    peace process as prescribed* in the peace agreement.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        *White House correction.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        The leaders called attention to the food crisis in the Horn of
    Africa, particularly

    [[Page 2182]]

    in Ethiopia, where food shortages are affecting six million people and
    may eventually expose 14 million people to starvation. The United States
    will continue to provide food aid and other humanitarian assistance to
    alleviate the effects of the crisis and calls upon other donor nations
    to provide substantial emergency assistance. The leaders also agreed to
    take steps to prevent the recurrence of food emergencies in the region.
        The leaders welcomed African development initiatives, such as the
    New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), and called upon
    African countries to take advantage of opportunities provided by the
    African Growth and Opportunity Act. They recognized that long-term
    economic prosperity will require strong leadership at home to promote
    economic freedom, coupled with support from both local and international
    communities.
        The leaders expressed concern over the devastating effects of the
    HIV/AIDS pandemic and other infectious diseases in Africa and their
    impact on social, economic, and security sectors. Kenya and Ethiopia
    lauded the Bush Administration for its leadership in the global fight
    against these diseases and for being the largest, single contributor to
    the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. They
    resolved to give high priority to the campaign to eradicate these
    diseases, and the United States reaffirmed its support.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.