WASHINGTON, D.C. (RPRN) 8/10/2009–U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Angola’s President Jose Eduardo dos Santos Monday, a day after urging Angola to go ahead with long-awaited presidential elections.
The two met in the Angolan capital, Luanda, shortly after Clinton signed an agreement to increase U.S. funding to fight AIDS in Angola by $10 million.
U.S. officials say Clinton is seeking to strengthen U.S. ties to Angola, which is one of Africa’s top oil producers and a leading supplier of both oil and natural gas to the United States.
On Sunday, Clinton praised Angola for conducting successful legislative elections last year. But she also urged the country to adopt a new constitution, investigate alleged human rights abuses, and hold a timely presidential election.
Angola has not had a presidential election since 1992, and Mr. dos Santos has been the country’s leader for nearly 30 years.
The southern African country is scheduled to hold a presidential vote this year but organizers have said they may need more time.
Later Monday, Clinton heads for the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of her 11-day, seven-nation African tour.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.