Bush Discusses AIDS With Congressional Black Caucus, Vows Africa Will be a ‘Priority’
At a meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus yesterday, President Bush stressed his commitment to making Africa part of his foreign policy agenda, the Washington Times reports. Bush and the lawmakers discussed a variety of issues, including HIV/AIDS and free trade with Africa. Press Secretary Ari Fleischer quoted Bush as saying, "Africa will be a priority of this administration" (Miller/Curl, Washington Times, 2/1). According to the Washington Post, an "administration official" said that during the meeting Bush "brought up ... the need to 'fight the scourge of AIDS in Africa'" (Allen, Washington Post, 2/1). Bush previously stated during his campaign that Africa "doesn't fit into the [United States'] national strategic interests" ( Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 1/17).
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