Blinken says the U.S. does not want to overtake other powers in Africa

United Nations Look for a “real connection” with Africa And don’t try to “outdo” other world powers in terms of influence on the continent, the US secretary of state said. Anthony BlinkenThis Monday (8) is the second day of the African tour.

“Our commitment to Africa is real cooperation, it’s not about getting ahead of anyone,” Blinken told a news conference with his South African counterpart. Naledi Bandor.

“We don’t want an unbalanced, transactional relationship,” he added.

After arriving South Africa The day before, the first stage of a journey that will take you later Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda Until Thursday (11), Blinken will set out his strategic vision for the continent during a speech this afternoon. University of Pretoria.

According to experts, the visit is aimed at bringing South African diplomacy and the West together and curbing Russian influence on the continent.

It comes shortly after the Russian president’s visit to Africa at the end of July Sergey Lavrovwho was inside DRC, Uganda, Egypt And Ethiopia.

In June, the Russian president Vladimir Putin Asked the countries Bricks (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to cooperate in countering the “selfish acts” of the West.

This Monday, Blinken said Washington The region is not seen as the “ultimate playing field in the rivalry between the great powers”.

“Fundamentally, that’s not how we see it. We’re not going to move forward with our commitment here,” he stressed.