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Today, USAID Administrator Mark Green, Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump, and Acting OPIC President and CEO Dave Bohigian paid respects to the victims of Ethiopian Airlines 302 crash at the Holy Trinity Church in Addis Ababa. They met with religious leaders representing the diverse faiths of those who perished in the crash, laid a wreath, and observed a moment of silence.
Later, the delegation met with President Sahle-Work Zewde to reinforce the United States' strong partnership with Ethiopia. Ms. Trump highlighted the President's achievement in becoming the first female president of Ethiopia and the only female head of state in Africa. The delegation and President Sahle-Work discussed efforts to improve opportunity and inclusivity for women through the White House-led Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative. They also discussed improving women's access to credit through legal and regulatory reform, particularly in rural areas.
During the trip, the delegation also met with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed at Menelik Palace to reaffirm U.S. support for Ethiopia's progress on reforms toward inclusive democracy, broad-based prosperity, and lasting stability. During the meeting, Ms. Trump welcomed the Prime Minister's proactive approach to increasing the number of women in leadership positions in his government and discussed ways Ethiopia and the United States can partner to advance their shared goal of increasing women's economic empowerment in Ethiopia and worldwide.
The delegation next met with African Union Deputy Chairperson Kwesi Quartey to discuss how women's empowerment can spur economic growth in Africa. Ms. Trump and the Deputy Chairperson signed a joint communique committing to advancing women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Finally, the delegation concluded its trip in Ethiopia by speaking with the staff and families of the U.S. Mission to Ethiopia and the U.S. Mission to the African Union.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Regional Media Hub.
