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| The US Secretary of State's visit follows Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Africa late last month (File Photo: getty images). |
US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken has started a three-country tour of the African continent from South Africa.
Antony Blanken arrived in South Africa on Sunday. The purpose of his visit is to reduce Russian influence in the African continent.
This visit followed the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Africa late last month.
It should be noted that South Africa has remained neutral in the conflict in Ukraine and has refused to accede to Western demands to condemn Russia.
The South African government said in a statement that Antony Blanken will hold talks with his South African counterpart, Nellidi Pandor, on Monday and also announce the US government's new strategy for Africa.
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The statement added that they will "discuss recent developments related to the global geopolitical situation".
It should be noted that the US State Department last month identified African countries as 'geo-strategic players and promoting an open and stable international system, including addressing climate change, food insecurity and the effects of global pandemics. He was declared an important partner on the issues.
Anthony Blanken, who is on his second trip to Africa since his appointment early last year, will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda this weekend.
His visit to Congo is aimed at increasing his support for sub-Saharan Africa's largest country, which is struggling to deal with decades of conflict.
The last stop of the US Secretary of State's visit will be Rwanda, which has strained relations with Congo.
Rwanda has accused Congo of supporting the M23 rebels, a charge Congo denies.
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