[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 50 (Monday, December 16, 2002)]
[Pages 2148-2149]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.

[[Page 2149]]

    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.