President Bush has outlined a series of steps to help lift African countries out of poverty, saying a prosperous African continent is in the interest of the entire world.
Mr. Bush spoke today-Thursday in Washington. His comments come ahead of next week's summit of the Group of Eight industrialized nations in Scotland, which will focus heavily on African development and a proposed 40-billion-dollar debt cancellation plan.
President Bush says lifting African countries out of poverty includes more than just providing aid.
He says wealthier countries must partner with African leaders to create mechanisms for sustainable development, as well as democratic and transparent governments.
He pledged continued U.S. support for fighting AIDS. He also said he would ask Congress for 1.2 billion dollars to cut deaths from malaria -- one of the leading killers in Africa.
Mr. Bush also proposed doubling to 400-million dollars initiatives to help educate girls in Africa.
Information for this report is provided by AP.
