June 29 / Administration of , 2013

The President’s News Conference With President Jacob Zuma of in , South Africa June 29, 2013

President Zuma. Good morning, ladies and We already see immense value in our strate- gentlemen of the media, good friends also. gic partnerships such as BRICs and IBSA and [Laughter] Mr. President, let me welcome look forward to strengthening the U.S.-Africa you, your family, and your delegation to South partnership. We are pleased with the growing Africa. This is your second visit to South Africa bilateral trade and investment. There are 600 and your first as President of the United States. U.S. companies in South Africa, which have We are delighted to host you. created in excess of 150,000 jobs. Let me also congratulate you on a reelection The U.S. is also a major export market for as President of the United States. Our talks South African products. South Africa, in turn, have taken place against the background of the is your biggest market in Africa, accounting for ill health of our beloved former President Nel- more than 7 billion U.S. dollars of exports. son Mandela, the founding President of our We reaffirm the need for the extension of democracy, who is much loved by our people the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and the world. I know that he is your personal which expires in 2015. Our mutual trade has hero as well, Mr. President. reached the levels preceding the global reces- The two of you are also bound by history, as sion largely due to the act. Arising out of this the first Black Presidents of your respective visit, we would like to see increased investment countries. Thus, you both carry the dreams of in the South African economy for mutual ben- millions of people in Africa and in the diaspora efit. We have placed on the table bankable who were previously oppressed. We continue projects, which range from infrastructure de- to pray for Madiba’s good health and well-be- velopment to skills development for the youth, ing. and also across a number of sectors, like infor- As we prepare to celebrate 20 years of free- mation and communication technologies, agri- dom and democracy in April next year, we ex- culture, and the green economy. We have tend our deepest gratitude to the antiapartheid movement in the United States for solidarity. urged that underpinning these investments should be the drive for regional integration, in- Mr. President, as a student you also partici- pated actively in campaigns against , dustrialization, and localization of supply and especially promoting dismantlement of—dis- manufacture. mantlement and disinvestment from apartheid Mr. President, youth development is a key South Africa of the investments that had been focus area for South Africa given that a third of made in the history by the United States. our population is under the age of 15. This is a We are pleased to be working with you to- key feature of our national development plan. day with a common goal of expanding trade re- Therefore, we welcome our cooperation in ed- lations between our two countries. We are in ucation, especially the School Capacity and In- essence shifting from disinvestment to rein- novation Programme, as well as investment in vestment in the era of freedom and democra- primary education and teacher training. It is al- cy. so our wish to extend cooperation on vocation- Mr. President, you are visiting Africa at the al training to develop our further education right time. Africa is rising. It is the second fast- and training colleges. est growing region after Asia and has become We acknowledged the ongoing cooperation an attractive market for investment, thus the in the area of defense under the auspices of the United States strategy towards sub-Saharan Af- South Africa-U.S. Defense Committee and the rica that you launched last year is well timed to training of the security services in crime fight- take advantage of this growing market. ing.

682 Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 / June 29

We have lauded the successful health coop- possible without addressing the other ongoing eration under the U.S. President’s Emergency conflicts in the region, which are a source of Plan for AIDS Relief funding to address HIV much insecurity and instability. We are en- and AIDS and other infectious diseases, which couraged by the positive steps you have taken, has contributed to the successes and increase Mr. President, to relax longstanding restric- in life expectancy. tions on Cuba. I further urge you, Mr. Presi- On promoting the African agenda, we reaf- dent, in light of the economic and financial firm our common commitment to strengthen- challenges in the U.S. and in the euro zone to ing democratic governance and advancing the encourage our traditional supporters not to protection of human rights on the continent. abandon their pledges to Africa. We would like to cooperate with the U.S. in Let me also add that the reform of the Unit- enhancing peace building and postconflict re- ed Nations Security Council is long overdue construction and development cooperation un- and remains a high priority to South Africa, the der the umbrella of the United Nations and the African Continent, and the developing world . as a whole. We are concerned about the mushrooming Finally, Mr. President, I wish to reiterate of rebel movements in some countries in the South Africa’s commitment to the relationship continent at a time when the AU is promoting with the U.S.A. I’m happy that you will visit adherence to its policy of zero tolerance for during your visit, which was people who come to office through unconstitu- home to Madiba and many freedom fighters in tional means. This is a threat to a hard-won our country for decades. peace in many countries in the continent. I wish you pleasant and productive stay in Mr. President, we are encouraged by the re- South Africa for the remainder of your visit. laxation of sanctions on by the U.S. We are truly honored to host you, Mr. Presi- Government, and urge further steps in this re- dent. And I thank you. I now invite you, Mr. gard as it will strengthen the economy of Zim- President, to address the media. You have the babwe. We are hopeful that the African Union, floor. with the support of the international communi- President Obama. Well thank you so much, ty, will find solutions to the challenges we face Mr. President, for your generous words and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, your kind welcome. It is wonderful to be back Niger, and Central African Republic and So- in South Africa. As you mentioned, I had the malia. pleasure of visiting South Africa before when I Solutions that are African-led will be able to was a U.S. Senator. Michelle and our daugh- yield results. The problems in the Sahel region ters were here just 2 years ago. And we’re now arise primarily from the manner in which the thrilled to be back as a family. And I know that U.N. Security Council handled the Libyan sit- the press corps, by the way, is happy to be here uation. There are lessons to be learned in the because this is much more elegant than the episode. We have talked about this in our White House press room. [Laughter] It’s a big meeting. improvement. Mr. President, South Africa remains con- I have to begin, of course, by saying that our cerned at the lack of progress in the Middle thoughts and those of Americans and people East peace process. We unequivocally support all around the world are with the Palestinian bid for statehood and believe in and his family and all of South Africans. The the principle of a two-state solution. We have struggle here against apartheid, for freedom, noted your latest attempts to revive the stalled Madiba’s moral courage, this country’s historic negotiations, and you have our support in this transition to a free and democratic nation has regard. been a personal inspiration to me. It has been At the same time, we are of the view that a an inspiration to the world, and it continues to lasting peace in the Middle East would not be be. In so many regions that are divided by

683 June 29 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 conflict, sectarian disputes, religious or ethnic here in South Africa. South African companies wars, to see what happened in South Africa— are investing back in the United States, like Sa- the power of principle and people standing up sol, with plans for billions of dollars in invest- for what’s right—I think continues to shine as a ment in U.S. energy and manufacturing, in- beacon. cluding my home State of Illinois. And as the And so the outpouring of love that we’ve largest economy in the region, growth here can seen in recent days shows that the triumph of drive growth all across Africa. So I want our Nelson Mandela and this nation speaks to countries to be doing more business together. something very deep in the human spirit: the And one of the things that I’ve said to our yearning for justice and dignity that transcends press corps during this trip is that, all too often, boundaries of race and class and faith and attention is only paid to Africa when there is a country. That’s what Nelson Mandela repre- crisis. But in fact, 6 of the 10 largest economies sents. That’s what South Africa, at its best, can in the world—or 6 of the 10 fastest growing represent to the world. And that’s what brings economies in the world are in Africa. There’s me back here, on what will be a 2-day trip in enormous progress being made and enormous which I have an opportunity to meet with a potential to be made. But obviously, we have a whole range of leaders here in South Africa. lot more work to do, and I think we can do it The President and I have enjoyed our com- better together. pany quite a bit in the G–20 and in various Today, almost all of South Africa’s exports to multilateral forums. Usually, unfortunately, the United States—98 percent—already enter when we’re meeting there is some crisis going our markets duty free. And I told President on around the world. We had a more leisurely Zuma that I want to renew, but also improve conversation today. And we both agreed that and update the African Growth and Opportu- the state of bilateral relations between the nity Act so we’re generating more trade and United States and South Africa are extraordi- more jobs. I’ve got to be able to show Ameri- narily strong. can companies that are operating on a level As one of the BRICs, South Africa’s growth playing field when they invest or are trying to reflects the new realities of a global economy. export into South Africa. So we’re going to And we welcome that, we don’t simply recog- make sure that our trade negotiators have a se- nize it. That’s one of the reasons why I institu- rious conversation about how we get a win-win tionalized the G–20, because it reflects the re- formula that delivers jobs and opportunity for ality of today’s world and today’s economy and people here in South Africa and also in the the need for this continent to be represented United States. in any discussions about the direction of the Our commitment to progress and human world economy. dignity extends to our shared efforts to combat So the United States views South Africa as a HIV/AIDS. Since I took office, we’ve contin- critical partner. And, Mr. President, I very ued the good work of PEPFAR, and we’ve much appreciate our personal friendship and built on it. So, here in South Africa, we’re de- partnership. As you’ve noted, Africa is on the livering antiretroviral treatments to 1.6 million rise and South Africa is always at the forefront people, which along with our prevention ef- of trends in Africa. I see South Africa as critical forts is helping to save millions of lives. And I to one of my top priorities on this trip, and that want to commend South Africa for its out- is to promote trade and investment that helps standing leadership on this issue. Within a few unleash economic growth here in Africa and years, South Africa will become the first coun- ultimately will benefit the United States of try in Africa to fully manage its HIV care and America. treatment program, and the United States will We export more products to South Africa increasingly focus on prevention and strength- than any other nation in sub-Saharan Africa. ening public health systems. So this is an exam- Hundreds of companies, as you noted, operate ple of how rather than a one-way street of aid

684 Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 / June 29 to Africa, instead this is a partnership of equals under that framework quickly to bring the working together to solve common challenges. tragedy of the Congo to an end. And that’s what we need to see in all areas of And finally, as President Zuma mentioned, endeavor. we discussed a range of global challenges. Our We’re working together to advance the dig- governments don’t agree on every issue; no nity of all of our citizens. Since opportunities two countries do. But we’ve seen the progress for women and girls means greater prosperity that we can make together: on nuclear security, for everybody, I’m hopeful that we will be able on climate change. Given South Africa’s histo- to welcome South Africa to our Equal Futures ry and given what it represents to the world, Partnership, an effort internationally to make and given the interests we share—as democra- sure that every country is committed to devel- cies that believe in constitutions, rule of law, oping the possibilities and opportunities for and human rights and the dignities of all peo- women and for girls. Some people know that ple—I believe that we can stand shoulder to my mother was involved in international devel- soldier—shoulder to shoulder for issues of se- opment. She taught me when I was very curity and justice and human rights. And I be- young: You can measure how well a country lieve that when the United States and South does by how well it treats its women. If it’s ed- Africa stand together on an issue in multilater- ucating its women and giving them opportuni- al fora, it’s hard to resist. It’s hard to resist. ties, that country does well. When they do not, So, President Zuma, I want to thank you for that country does not advance. And I believe welcoming me here today. I want to thank you that. for the work that we’ve done together. It is a So I also want to commend your Parliament great joy for me to be visiting and spending for passing a landmark law to combat the mod- time here in South Africa. I’ve had occasion to ern slavery that is human trafficking, some- visit Robben Island myself, but for me to be thing that is still a crisis around the world. able to bring my daughters there and teach them the history of that place and this country This afternoon I’ll be in to announce and help them to understand not only how a major expansion of our initiative to invest in those lessons apply to their own lives, but also the young Africans who will shape this country, to their responsibilities in the future as citizens and this continent, for decades to come. And, of the world, that’s a great privilege and a great regionally, I want to thank South Africa for be- honor. ing a leading voice in the African Union, from So I thank you. And to all the people of promoting peace between Sudan and South South Africa, there is enormous affection and Sudan to encouraging economic cooperation admiration for you in the United States, and I across the continent. hope that I adequately express that during my As the President mentioned, we discussed visit. the situation in Zimbabwe. And President Zu- Moderator. Thank you very much, Your Ex- ma has played an important role in the region’s cellencies. We will now take questions. [Inau- mediation efforts. We agreed that the harass- dible]—SABC. ment of citizens and groups needs to stop, and reforms need to move forward so the people of International Relations of African Na- Zimbabwe can cast their votes in elections that tions/United Nations Security Council Reform are fair and free and credible. We also dis- cussed the Congo, where I’ve assigned a new Q. Warm greetings to both Presidents. I’ll U.S. Envoy to the region, Russ Feingold, a for- ask the questions to both Presidents, maybe mer Senator and chairman of the Africa com- starting with President Obama. You have come mittee. He’s going to lead our efforts in sup- to Africa, to South Africa, of course, to boost port of the framework for peace. And the Unit- and strengthen trade. So perhaps someone is ed States and South Africa agree that all na- saying, well, the United States is somehow tions should implement the commitments threatened because there are other players

685 June 29 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 who are coming to Africa, especially China. as clean energy production, all growing at a China is not only coming here in word, but also rapid rate in the United States. in deed. So is perhaps President Obama not So our primary interest when it comes to threatened that the leading role that—[inaudi- working with Africa on energy issues has to do ble]—played is in danger? with how do we power Africa so that it can be And the other quick question, President an effective market creating jobs and opportu- Obama: South Africa’s bid to U.N. Security nity in Africa, but then we also then have some- Council, should it come, will the United States body to trade with and sell iPods to and air- support it? Is it at the U.N.? planes and all kinds of good stuff. [Laughter] To President Zuma, you, as the leading So when we look at what other countries are voice, as President Obama has indicated, on doing in Africa, I think our only advice is make the African Continent in trying to bring stabili- sure it’s a good deal for Africa. If somebody ty and peace, we have seen some pockets of says they want to come build something here, rebels, as you indicated, in Congo, in Mali, and are they hiring African workers? Somebody elsewhere. So what sort of assistance, perhaps, says that they want to help you develop your have you asked from President Obama, I natural resources, how much of the money is mean, as America is one of the advanced coun- staying in Africa? If they say that they’re very tries that can help in many areas? Thank you. interested in a certain industry, is the manufac- President Obama. Well, first of all, I’m here turing and value added done in Africa? Are they tolerating that’s not benefiting in Africa because I think the United States the people, but just benefiting a few at the top needs to engage in a continent full of promise in their interactions with African countries? and possibility. I think it’s good for the United Those are the questions Africa should be States, regardless of what others do. I actually asking. And hopefully, one of the things that welcome the attention that Africa is receiving we can do is—in our interactions, as a country from countries like China and Brazil and India that doesn’t have a colonial history here, as a and Turkey because, number one, the more in- country that has made large investments in de- terest they show in Africa, the more tools we velopment on issues like HIV/AIDS—hopeful- have and mechanisms we have to further in- ly, we can garner some trust when people ask corporate Africa into the global economy, us what are the kinds of development strate- which has the potential of creating jobs and gies that are going to be sustaining over the businesses and opportunity. So I don’t feel long term. threatened by it. I think it’s a good thing. But as I said, I want everybody playing in Now, I do think that it’s important for Afri- Africa. The more, the merrier. I think that’s cans to make sure that these interactions are good. And it gives Africans leverage, which I good for Africa, because—let me just take the think is useful. But again, ask those questions; example of natural resources. I think there’s don’t just assume that folks come here and been a long history of extracting resources they’re automatically benefiting Africans. And from Africa. You take raw materials, you send that includes that United States. Ask questions them to someplace else where they get used, in terms of what we do. processed, sometimes sold back to Africa. The With respect to the United Nations, Presi- profits stay there, the jobs stay there, and not dent Zuma and I discussed the fact that just as much stays in Africa. There’s a long history of I wanted to institutionalize the G–20 because that. it’s more reflective of the world, I think the Well, the truth is, the United States, at this United Nations structure, which was created point, on issues of energy, for example, frankly, post-World War II, is going to have to be up- we don’t need energy from Africa. Because of dated. How we do that, in what fashion, is advances that have been made, we’re seeing oil complicated. It’s difficult. And it involves all production and natural gas production, as well kinds of politics. I will say this—that an expan-

686 Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 / June 29 sion of, let’s say, the Security Council in which Africa must remain somewhere, when every- the continent of Africa had no representation body is working together really? would be odd. But how that moves forward is I think since the end of the cold war, the something that I think will involve a lot of ne- world is working together. There is no country gotiations and a lot of discussions. that is isolated. China has a lot of relations with And the one thing that I share with Presi- the U.K., U.S.A. Africa as a region, why must it dent Zuma is, everybody wants a seat at the ta- be singled out for some views, so to speak? I ble, but when it comes time to step up and don’t think in my own understanding, much as show responsibility, sometimes, people want to the question are understandable, but I think be free riders. They love sitting around the ta- it’s being unfair to Africa. Why should Africa ble deciding what to do, except when it comes be told to whom it must have relations with to bearing the burdens, bearing the costs, and not this one and that one? I don’t think sometimes sharing the blame for difficult deci- that talks to our acceptance of . sions that have to be made, then suddenly: We are globalizing, and Africa must be part of “Well, I’m neutral; I’m not aligned. Don’t ask globalization. And you can’t say we are global- me to”—I’m not referring to South Africa par- izing because we have relations with certain re- ticularly, I’m just saying, countries generally gions, not other regions; and if we have rela- like the idea of being part of foras. But one of tions with other regions, then we are ques- the things that the United States has done— tioned. Nor do I think countries that come to and obviously, we’re not perfect—but our seat interact with Africa should be questioned: Why at the table comes by virtue of the fact that we are you doing it? bear a lot of responsibility. I think it is in the nature of globalization If there’s a crisis in the world, people ask us, that, in fact, Africa is saying it can no longer be bypassed by events that change the world. We “What are you doing about it?” They ask: “Why are part of it. And that’s why we relate to the haven’t you intervened militarily? You’re let- bigger countries, bigger economies. We want ting people die.” And if we intervene militarily, the relationship, as President Obama was say- they ask, “Why did you intervene militarily?” ing, that benefits both. Because historically, They ask us to foot the bill, and the expectation the kind of relations we had with other regions is, why aren’t you footing the bill? If there’s were one sided. All what the President was say- poverty or crisis or a humanitarian disaster, the ing: that we want localization to be taken into natural expectation immediately is, what’s the account, whoever is trying to make relations United States doing? with us, beneficiation of our resources so that Now, we shoulder that burden gladly. We they benefit us. think that’s part of our responsibilities. We We ourselves, as another kind of area, we have been incredibly blessed. But the simple have said we need to do trade among our- point I make—and I say this everywhere I selves—intratrade in the continent of Africa— go—is with rights come responsibilities and where we are putting our five economic re- burdens, and it’s not always comfortable, and gions together so that we work as a continent you can’t always make everybody happy. It’s together. We are having massive program in like being President of a country. [Laughter] terms of the infrastructure to implement what President Zuma. [Laughter] Absolutely. you’re talking about, to create that necessary Thank you. Well, thank you very much. platform, so that whoever comes to invest we Firstly, the question of Africa and its history don’t ask: Are you an American? Are you a and the developments globally, I think, should Chinese? No. We enter into the relationship be taken from what they are, without assump- that must benefit both. And I’m happy that the tions. Today we are talking about the global- United States shares that view as well. ized world. If the world is globalizing, why So that is how these interaction are inter- should there be a question about Africa, that preted insofar as the African Continent is

687 June 29 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 concerned. We have been growing to speak help the process? Because if big countries are with one voice, and we are now speaking in not talking about it, you then allow the process one voice as a continent. And that’s why we to stay there and people saying all sorts of look at those who tried to put one country this things. Even the smallest countries, they have side and the other that side. That’s why even got the right to say something. But they may be the relation that we have with other regions, expecting to be there, and they may have no we are trying to do them as a unit, as an entity, contribution to make. I’m not saying other as a region, rather than as individual countries. countries can’t; they can. But we are talking So that’s what is happening. about an institution that take very decisive de- So we don’t regard to those who come to us cisions about the life of this globe. that they are coming here because of other So I’m just saying, I would be happy if this reasons that we don’t know. We take them matter is pushed quicker so that final decisions genuinely that you’re establishing relations that are taken. must benefit us, who must also appreciate the On question regarding whether we dis- history of the continent: where we come from, cussed what is the United States could do to why we are lacking behind, what is that they help Africa in the processes that it is trying to could do to help us in terms of the relation- help itself economically, security situation, et ships that we have to move forward as well. cetera, we discussed that, and we have agreed. With regard to the issue of the United Na- And I’m very happy. Their agreement is very tions Security Council, I again agree with the clear that Africa has said we need the African- President that really this institution was done led kind of processes and that others should in the midforties, when many countries did not help support that process. And we are at one exist; they did not participate in drawing up the with President Obama on that one, and it’s ab- rules and regulations. Things have changed. solutely correct, so that we should be support- The world is different today. We can’t continue ed. with those kind of conditions. It does not re- We are looking at very specific things. One flect the reality of what is happening today. of them is the issue, for an example, of this new And that’s why we believe each and every re- trend of rebels in the continent. We need to do gion must be represented at all levels so that something to stop it, because if it’s not we can be part of decisionmaking in this inter- stopped, it could be another huge chapter, like the chapter of coups in Africa, and we want to national important body. nip it in the bud. And therefore, the last sum- So the process is important that it is looked mit of the AU took a decision and asked coun- at, but also should be realistic, because again, tries to volunteer: Who could be part of a once we say we need that, as the President was standby force to react immediately if there is saying, we don’t want people who are just go- an action, to deal with it? And we would want ing to come and sit there and enjoy status; big countries like the United States to support countries must be looked at or regions. Why us in those kinds of actions. And I think we are should countries be members of this important in agreement with that one. body that take financial decision? Do they have Thank you very much. a contribution to make? What is it that is going Moderator. Thank you, Your Excellencies. to be used as a criteria for countries, individual And now hand over to Jay. countries, let alone the regions, as to why this White House Press Secretary James F. “Jay” particular country must be a member? Carney. From the Associated Press, Julie Pace. Those are matters I think those who are in the national—or the AU and national security Egypt/Kenya/Former President Nelson R. Man- council or—U.N. Security Council, rather, dela of South Africa/Zimbabwe they must begin to discuss those matters. What is it that you are going to say are important cri- Q. Thank you, Mr. President. I wanted to teria to say this country can come so that we first see if you could comment on the situation

688 Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 / June 29 in Egypt and the U.S. concern about protests food costs, housing, schooling for their kids, there. And also, politics in Kenya appear to creating economic opportunity. And Egypt, I have affected your ability to travel there de- think, for the last year and a half, 2 years, has spite your family ties. Can you reflect personal- had great difficulty focusing on those vital is- ly on not being able to go to the country where sues. your father was born? And what does a situa- So again, top priority: Making sure that our tion in Kenya and in places like Zimbabwe say Embassies and consulates are prepared for this about the difficulties of fulfilling Nelson Man- wave of protests. Number two, we are support- dela’s vision for democracy on the continent? ive of freedom of speech and freedom of as- And, President Zuma, a similar question for sembly inside of Egypt, but we would urge all you: Given your country’s high unemployment parties to make sure that they’re not engaging and other social challenges, is the ANC in its in violence, and that and military are current form living up to Mandela’s legacy? showing appropriate restraint. And number Thank you. three: How do we make sure that we get this President Obama. Well, on Egypt, obvious- political process back on track? And that’s a ly, we’re all looking at the situation there with difficult and challenging situation. But Egypt is concern. The United States has supported de- the largest country in the Arab world, and I mocracy in Egypt. It has been challenging giv- think the entire region is concerned that if en that there is not a tradition of democracy in Egypt continues with this constant instability, Egypt. And the Egyptian people have been that that has adverse effects more broadly. finding their way. Your second question: Kenya. There had Our most immediate concern with respect just been an election in Kenya that thankfully to protests this weekend have to do with our did not see the same kind of violence as the Embassies and consulates. And so we have previous election; a newly installed President, been in direct contact with the Egyptian Gov- but let’s be honest, a situation in which this ernment, and we have done a whole range of new Government was still working out issues planning to make sure that we’re doing every- with the international community, in part dat- thing we can to keep our Embassies and con- ing back to the previous election. And the tim- sulates protected and our diplomats and per- ing was not right for me as the President of the sonnel there safe. United States to be visiting Kenya when those But more broadly, what we’ve said publicly issues are still being worked on and, hopefully, and what we’ve said privately is that we sup- at some point resolved. And we believe that port peaceful process—or peaceful protests Kenya needs to abide by various international and peaceful methods of bringing about commitments that it’s made. change in Egypt. I think every party has to de- Having said that, Kenya is one of our oldest nounce violence. We’d like to see the opposi- partners in the continent. We have outstanding tion and President Mursi engaged in a more bilateral relations. The people-to-people con- constructive conversation around how they tacts between the United States and Kenya re- move their country forward, because nobody is main extraordinarily strong. We work with benefiting from the current stalemate that ex- them on all sorts of issues: economic, security, ists there. youth exchanges, you name it. And that will And we do not take sides in terms of who continue. should be elected by the Egyptian people. We And my personal ties to the people of Kenya do take sides in terms of observing a process by definition are going to be strong and will for democracy and rule of law. And that all the stay strong. And I have been to Kenya multiple players there engage in the necessary tough times in the past, and I expect I will be to Ke- compromises so that they can start focusing on nya multiple times in the future and will con- the things that probably matter most to the or- tinue to be deeply concerned with the progress dinary Egyptian, which is jobs, energy costs, that’s made in that country. And I think it has

689 June 29 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 enormous potential. Kenya is like South Africa. treated equally and nobody is above the law; This is a country blessed with incredible re- and that we as leaders, we occupy these spaces sources, incredible beauty, brilliant people. temporarily, and we don’t get so deluded that There have been times in the past where gov- we start thinking that the fate of our countries ernment held back progress, and then some- depends on how long we stay in office. times, ethnic conflict held back progress. And When you have that as a foundation, and obviously, prior to that, colonialism and racism then you start building in transparency and ac- sometimes held back progress. countability and good governance and deliver- But the future for Kenya, like the future of ing services for people, then you’ve got a reci- the continent, is potentially bright, and the pe for success. And the economy then starts United States wants to be a partner in that pro- booming and the private sector starts being ef- cess. fective. And so my hope would be that every Did you have a third question for me? country around the world, but certainly in Afri- Q. How the situation in Kenya and also in ca, can benefit from those lessons. places like Zimbabwe, will they speak to—[in- If you look at Zimbabwe, it used to be one of audible]? the wealthiest countries on the continent. And President Obama. Well, absolutely. Look, bad governance has led to an economic disas- Nelson Mandela showed what is possible, and ter. It’s now starting to come back. And thanks the people of South Africa have shown what’s to the work of people like President Zuma, possible when a priority is placed on constitu- there’s an opportunity now to move into a new tions and rule of law and respect for human phase where perhaps Zimbabwe can finally dignity and that all people are treated equally, achieve all its promise. But that requires fair and that we rise above our parochial concerns. and free elections, and it requires those cur- And what Nelson Mandela also stood for is the rently in power in Zimbabwe to recognize that recognition that the well-being of a country is the interests of all people have to be served more important than the interest of any one there. person. President Zuma. Thank you. Well, with re- One of the reasons that George Washington gard to the question directed to me—whether is our most admired President is because after the ANC government is still in keeping with two terms, he said: Enough, I’m going back to Mandela’s beliefs—absolutely, yes. I know that being a citizen. And if you look at U.S. history, people at times forget that we have not there was no rule at the time in the Constitu- changed policy, we are pursuing policies that tion; there were no term limits. And he was so were crafted together with Mandela as we popular, he could have easily been President of started our democracy in 1994. the United States for life, but he said: I’m a cit- What we’ve been doing is to enhance those izen, I served my time, I engaged my service, policies, deepen them. And I believe if you and then it’s time for the next person, because look at South Africa, and perhaps if you take that’s what a democracy is about. the continent of Africa, in 19 years we have And Nelson Mandela, similarly, I think was made such progress that no country in the con- able to recognize, despite how revered he was, tinent has ever made in the history of decoloni- that part of this transition process was to make zation. And I’ve had an opportunity, perhaps sure that it was bigger than just one person— because of the job that I’ve been given, that even one of the greatest people in history. when Madiba was a pensioner sitting at his What an incredible lesson that is. And so I home, I visited him very regularly, firstly to re- think for the entire continent, for every lead- port to him as one of the leaders of the ANC, er—not just in Africa—for every leader around but also to check how he feels about the situa- the world to think about those principles, that tion. He has been expressing happiness, actual- governance for the people has to be based on ly commending what has been done in terms of constitutions and rules in which every person is this government that he started.

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So I have no doubt that what we’ve been do- oritize all of that? What are your top two or ing is part of what Mandela would be doing if three foreign policy goals in your final 3½ he was here. You know, when people at times years? we forget, they’ve been criticizing our econom- And on the home front, student loans, gun ic policies of mixed economy. It is actually control, balance a budget deal have been elu- Mandela who led us into that policy: the mixed sive. Are you disappointed? But on immigra- economy. And others say, look, Mandela was tion reform, you’ve cleared one big hurdle in for nationalization of X, Y, Z. Mandela debated the Senate. But Speaker Boehner is suggesting that issue in the circumstances and said this is he’s going to wait a while. Are you going to the route to take. So we are pursuing the push him? What’s your next step? Do you push dreams and policies that Mandela was part of, him to deal with this quickly, or are you going and we’ll continue to do so. to give him more time? Or do you push him We’re happy. He is happy. In fact, some of quickly to stick to your summer deadline of the visits I made before his health changed, he getting it done by the end of the summer? was saying, you know, when I go to sleep I will Thank you. be very happy, because I will know that I left President Obama. Mr. President, do you South Africa moving forward. So other people want to—— could have other views, but Mandela has a President Zuma. Thank you. Well, the posi- clear view that we are together on these issues. tion of former President Mandela in terms of He has never been afraid to debate issues, his health, he remains critical, but stable. So even if it was out of government, when he must nothing has changed so far. That’s where the have felt something has not been done proper- situation is. But we are hoping that it is going ly. to improve. And I think with all the prayers So we are happy as government, as the and good wishes that have been made certainly ANC, that we are moving in the footsteps of must do something. As you have seen even in former President Mandela. the country and abroad, everyone is wishing Thank you very much. Mandela well, a speedy recovery. And the doc- Press Secretary Carney. Ed Henry, Fox tors who are attending to him are doing every- News. thing, and these are very excellent doctors who Afghanistan/Middle East/Africa/Immigration Re- are dealing with him. So we place our hopes as form well that they will do better. We hope that very soon he will be out of hospital. Q. Thank you, Mr. President. President Zu- With regard to what do we think will be the ma, thank you for being a great host. And I legacy of President Obama, I always avoid to wonder if you can give us any news overnight, talk about legacies of people who are still any update on President Mandela’s health that there, generally. [Laughter] you may know about. And I wonder if you President Obama. Thank you. [Laughter] can—you mentioned the shared history of President Zuma. People always ask me: How President Obama and President Mandela, first can I judge my legacy, really? It’s better judged Black President of each nation. What do you when a person has done the job. But I think think President Obama’s legacy in this conti- what President Obama is doing right now, I nent in future years will be? think he’s focused on the continent. And his And, President Obama, you mentioned— approach to—in terms of policy—to how he and I think the phrase was, “We occupy these works together with the continent in terms of spaces temporarily.” You almost reached 6 helping the continent to move forward, as a months in your second term. And on foreign leading country in the world and as a leading policy, you heard about violence in Egypt, Tur- democracy, he’s helped to help deepen and en- key, Syria, China, and Russia, kind of a compli- hance democracy in the continent. That, I cated relationship right now. How do you pri- think, will be an important one.

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As you know, the United States has been past arrangements were not sustainable over looked at as a country that could play a role in the long term. influencing the proper direction in the conti- Democracy is hard. It is messy. And in the nent of Africa. I think that would be a very Middle East, there are obviously all kinds of good legacy, that when we judge it—at the sectarian divisions that make it that much more right time that we judge it, because at the mo- challenging and dangerous. But I continue to ment it is ongoing. But I think that ongoing believe that we have to invest time, energy, process, the fact that he has come here and, I and effort in helping to midwife a more repre- think, to South Africa, he has, for an example, sentative and more responsive governing ar- made very objective observation about South rangement throughout that region. And if we Africa. They are unbiased, uninfluenced by do that effectively, then the Middle East, I anything. He is making very clear. And he, think, can be part of the world economy and in therefore, precisely because of that, he’s clear ways that are more than just, how much oil are what kind of relationship we should make with they producing. And obviously, it would have South Africa, with the continent. And that will an impact on the security of the entire world. certainly leave the legacy, and I think it would And that includes, by the way, us continuing to be a good legacy insofar as the continent of Af- work on peace between the Israelis and the rica. Palestinians, which I think would change the Thank you. dynamic in the region and certainly how much President Obama. Ed, when it comes to for- leverage we have on some of these other is- eign policy, there are a whole range of issues sues. that are top priorities. Some of them are proac- It includes dealing with Iran and their nu- tive; some of them are in response to very clear program. If we can get Iran, which now tough situations. So first and foremost in my has a new President, to recognize the need for mind is, we still have a war going on in Afghan- negotiations and a diplomatic resolution istan, and I’ve still got young men and women whereby they have peaceful nuclear power like there who are making enormous sacrifices, and South Africa does, without nuclear weapons, families back home who are waiting to see and can give the international community con- their loved ones again. And us managing that fidence on that; that would change the dynam- transition properly, so that by the end of 2014 ic in the region again. So that continues to be our troops are out and we’ve got a stable situa- important. tion inside of Afghanistan, I think is going to And then, there are going to be some multi- require continued focus and attention. lateral issues. Africa: We’re here, and one of Keeping the American people safe contin- the things that I’ve said is, I want to see greater ues to be an area of focus and attention. And I trade, not just aid; African-led economic can’t deviate from that too much. I’ve got to growth, as opposed to outsiders dictating to Af- make sure that our team understands those rica how it can grow. But we have an important priorities. role to play. The food for the future and food But there are also enormous opportunities security alliance that we highlighted when we internationally, and so I’ll just make mention of were in Senegal: You’ve got 7 million small a couple. Number one is that despite the enor- farmers all across Africa who are now being mous turmoil in the Middle East—and we’re empowered to increase yields and productivity, going to have to continue to work on Syria, to get their products to market, connect with we’re obviously actively monitoring the situa- Internet lines and wireless so that they can get tion in Egypt, the situation in Libya is chal- fair prices that they can then reinvest in buying lenging—I continue to believe that this period tractors, which further increases yields, which that we’re going through in the Middle East then means you’re creating a middle class. And has the potential to move the Middle East over now shopkeepers have people who can buy the long term in a better direction, because the their goods, and slowly, Africa is growing. We

692 Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 / June 29 now have nine countries across the continent And one thing I know about why the United who are participating, and we’re already seeing States is admired around the world—and I enormous benefits and an increase of about think President Zuma would confirm this— $150 million in incomes and revenues for those people do recognize that America is a nation of who are participating. That’s the kind of thing immigrants; that, like South Africa, it is a mul- that America can do well. tiracial and multicultural nation. And that And yes, we’re putting money into it, but makes it stronger. Our diversity is a source of we’re also listening and working with Africans strength. So we need to get this right. We can to partner with them in a more effective way. be a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. And we intend to do the same thing on power, And I do urge the House to try to get this something that we’ve been hearing all across done before the August recess. There’s more the region. The whole issue of intra-African than enough time. This thing has been debated amply, and they’ve got a bunch of weeks to get trade—how can we help to build infrastructure it done. And now is the time. All right? throughout the continent. We’ll partner with Moderator. Thank you. Last one. [Inaudible] the Chinese—the young man who was asking that question earlier—we’ll be happy to work South Africa/International Criminal Court with anybody around intra-Africa trade. And that’s an example of where we want to partner Q. Welcome, Mr. President, and thank you with Africa, we want to partner with others for this opportunity. This is a question to both who want to help Africa, but we want to make of the Presidents here today. It’s the issue of sure that it’s done to benefit Africa. transitional justice in the International Crimi- And I think that as much as the security is- nal Court. The United States is not a signatory sues in my foreign policy take up a lot of my to the Rome Statute and yet appears to en- time, I get a lot of—more pleasure from listen- courage and push African leaders and African ing to a small farmer say that she went from 1 countries to essentially follow the rulings of the hectare to 16 hectares and has doubled her in- International Criminal Court. So the question, come. That’s a lot more satisfying, and that’s President Obama, is how legitimate do you the future. view the international criminal justice system? And finally, on domestic policy, on immigra- And specifically to President Zuma, what can tion reform, I was very pleased to see the Sen- be done to bring about more equity to the in- ate pass it. I called Senators McCain and Gra- ternational criminal system or justice system? ham and Schumer and others who were in- But also, having met, how would you de- volved to congratulate them for it. I think they scribe the state of the relationship currently between South Africa and the United States? worked very hard. It’s not the perfect bill, but Considering the fact that the United States is it’s consistent with the principles I laid out of the biggest economic power and South Africa strong border security, of reformed legal immi- has the largest economy here, can we expect gration system, and a pathway to citizenship any key initiative coming from both of these for those who are currently in undocumented countries? Thank you. status inside the United States. President Zuma. Well, thank you very much. Now the ball is in the House’s court. I’ve We certainly are saying we want to strengthen called both speakers—Speaker Boehner and our relations as two countries. And I think, as Leader Pelosi—and encouraged them to find a we said earlier, the very visit of President path to get this done. And the framework that Obama talks to the issue we are raising—what the Senate has set up is a sound framework. It is that we can do. We are both saying we need doesn’t reflect everything that I would like. to do more. And of course, and I think the— Nobody is going to get a hundred percent of our private sector are very much aware of this. what they want: not labor, not business, not the We are creating the enabling environment that advocates, not me. But the time is right. we should grow as much as possible.

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Our ministers have been talking, and offi- Those are the issues we believe need to be cials, on specific issues on what is it that we looked at, because there are specific circum- think needs to be done to go forward. We are, stances at some point. Because if we are able to for an example, expecting the United States discuss those issues and agree, it’s not going to companies to invest in what we have here as be difficult to collaborate if there were people, opportunities. For example, the massive infra- for an example, who must appear before in a structure opportunities that are here with court, because it would be moving from a par- bankable kind of projects, those are the kind of ticular kind of understanding. opportunities we believe the United States It is also important to remove the percep- companies will take advantage of. And that will tions that people could have about certain therefore deepen the economy. things. If we don’t talk, we don’t engage, the On the issue of justice internationally, it’s a perceptions then become an impediment— very serious matter as viewed by the African whether we could move forward in bringing countries. As you know, there have been cases about equal justice, respect of the law globally, where Africa has felt we are being treated un- so to speak. I’m just saying, from my point of fairly, because we have entered into discus- view, the interaction and the deepening of re- sions as to how could we deal with justice, level lations is going to help to deal with those mat- the playing fields. Africa is, for example, in the ters—of course, with people who have exper- process of trying to initiate an interaction with tise on those kind of matters. I don’t think they the ICC to discuss specifically those kind of is- are matters that cannot be resolved. They will sues. be resolved through engagement. Thank you I’d imagine, in our relations with the United very much. States, our legal people, in fact, should be giv- President Obama. Well, first of all, when it en an opportunity to discuss these matters at comes to U.S.-South Africa relations, as I said, that level as to how could we bring about equal I think the bilateral relationship is very strong. justice globally. Because it is important that we What we’ve agreed to is, is that we have to do a are seen in action to be treating matters, or better job communicating on multinational is- people, that they’re equal before the law. sues to make sure that we anticipate potential There is a view in the continent that this is not areas of tension, that we understand ourselves done. And it may be a subjective view, but clearly, that sometimes, it’s important for us to there is that view that therefore says countries be able to express to each other the way in that are in the leadership should have more in- which history shapes how we view some of teraction to address those matters, because these issues. And I think the more dialogue we they become very much important. have on those issues, I think because we are One of the issues that was asked, for an ex- democracies that stand for human rights and ample, was the issue of Kenya—what is it that stand for certain principles, the truth is we must happen there. How do you look at people should be aligned internationally. who are charged—in other words, who are But the bilateral relationship is strong. I just supposed to answer questions in court, who are want to make sure it’s stronger. I think that on not yet convicted—how do they look like be- issues like HIV/AIDS, where we’re now transi- fore the law? tioning, building capacity, South Africa is step- Now, we think that the saying is that you are ping up and doing tremendous work. That’s a innocent until proven guilty, right? What is the perfect model for how you can have an effec- role of the people who are not knowing the tive partnership. law, who are not sophisticated, who are given On trade and investment, we can do more. an opportunity to vote and they exercise their There’s more business to be done. And I’m vote—which is within their rights—respecting confident that we’re moving in the right track. their rights, and they produce a particular ver- I just want to accelerate it a little bit more, dict? What do you say in terms of the law? partly because, as Ed Henry pointed out, I only

694 Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 / June 29 have 3½ years left. [Laughter] I want to try to Africa, then it’s useful for the African Union— get as much done as possible. and as a disinterested organization in the sense On the issue of international justice, it’s true that it’s not just representing one country or the United States is not a signatory, but we’ve one individual—to be able to have constructive been very supportive of the International conversations with the ICC to see if some of Criminal Court. Obviously, it is a difficult those perceptions can be dissipated. I would thing. We don’t have a single world govern- caution, though, that you wouldn’t want, in the ment. You don’t have a single world police name of African unity, to be trying to water force. And yet I think it was created, and the down principles that then allow a Charles Tay- idea of international justice was created, for lor, let’s say, to engage in the kinds of actions those extraordinary circumstances in which that he did. That was brutal and inexcusable. you see a leader operating in ways that is so And to the extent that the notion was that ac- contrary to international norms and basic be- tions like those of slaughtering people and un- liefs that we have about the dignity of people leashing troops to rape and pillage with impu- that the international community sees the need nity that somehow you can get away with that, to speak and to render judgment. In part to that’s not good for Africa. And the African prevent that kind of action from taking place in Union should find a way, as President Zuma the future, in part to put leaders on notice that indicated, to allay some of these concerns, per- they can’t simply act with impunity simply be- haps get a greater sense of consistency or cause they control the biggest military or the transparency or clarity in terms of how the ICC biggest faction inside their country. That does is operating. But don’t lose that basic sense not give them license to do whatever they that we’re all accountable in some fashion to please. And I think that principle is important the basic precepts that our countries respec- to uphold. tively are founded on. I know that there’s been talk about, well, Thank you very much. does the ICC pick on Africa? But truthfully, probably the most high-profile work that the NOTE: The President’s news conference began ICC has done actually had to do with the situa- at 11:57 a.m. at the Union Building. In his re- tion in Serbia and the Balkans and Kosovo and marks, he referred to President Uhuru Kenyat- Bosnia. And so I’m confident that in fact the ta of Kenya; President-elect Hassan Rouhani ICC is not thinking simply regionally on these of Iran; Nimna Diayté, president, Saloum Fed- issues. eration of Corn Producers; and former Presi- I do share with President Zuma, however, dent Charles Taylor of Liberia. He also re- the notion that if that’s a perception inside of ferred to S. 744.

Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session at a Young African Leaders Initiative Town Hall Meeting in , South Africa June 29, 2013

Moderator Nkepile Mabuse. You guys are an had a more profound impact on the African amazing crowd. Good afternoon, and welcome people than when Nelson Mandela walked out to the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto of prison a free man in 1990 and, of course, the campus. My name is Nkepile Mabuse, and I election of Barack Obama in 2008. will be the moderator this afternoon. Now, these two men are politicians, and I really do hope that the strong significance their legacies will be judged by history. But and symbolism of what is happening here in there’s absolutely no doubt that these two de- Soweto today does not escape you. There real- velopments in history have had a profound im- ly are no two occasions in recent time that have pact on the African Continent. They have

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