An Unusual Gathering

In Washington, D.C. last week, there was a gathering of world leaders that was so unusual in scope, geographic representation and the level of its participants, it is worth noting, reports CBS News State Department Reporter Charles Wolfson.

Called the U.S.-Africa Ministerial on Partnership in the 21st Century -- a title only a bureaucrat could love -- the gathering of 50 African countries' representatives at the State Department was led by President Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Only Sudan and Libya, which the U.S. Government calls state sponsors of terrorism, and Somalia, which presently has no government were not represented at the 3-day meeting.

Mr. Clinton, who addressed the opening session, said, "We have a lot of ground to make up. For too much of this century, the relationship between the United States and Africa was plagued by indifference on our part."

"We have been too separate and too unequal. We must end that by building a better common future."

As if to agree with the president, Tanzania's Foreign Minister, Jakaya Kikwete, said Africa has been waiting for this initiative for too long now.

Discussions were held on a myriad of subjects including debt relief, conflict resolution, the AIDS epidemic, trade, transportation and agriculture. Seven Clinton Administration cabinet secretaries participated, in addition to senior officials of other government agencies.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Susan Rice called the ministerial session a "historic departure" because senior U. S. officials "were able to talk and interact with all of Africa at once."

The initiative followed Mr. Clinton's trip to six African countries a year ago and is part of the administration's strategy to increase ties with African countries.

After three days of speeches, panel discussions, formal lunches and dinners and a multitude of smaller, more informal gatherings, Assistant Secretary Rice was asked by a reporter if she had any disappointments.

Rice, obviously pleased with what had been accomplished, replied: "I don't have any; I honestly don't. Not enough sleep, maybe."

Written by Charles Wolfson
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