English subtitles for clip: File:The President and Prime Minister of Ethiopia hold a Joint Press Conference.webm
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1 00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:02,300 Prime Minister Hailemariam: Members of the press, ladies 2 00:00:02,302 --> 00:00:07,072 and gentlemen, I would like to once again welcome His 3 00:00:07,073 --> 00:00:09,443 Excellency, the President of the United States of 4 00:00:09,442 --> 00:00:12,782 America, to Ethiopia. 5 00:00:12,779 --> 00:00:15,179 We are honored to receive a sitting U.S. 6 00:00:15,181 --> 00:00:18,381 President for the first time in the history of our 7 00:00:18,385 --> 00:00:20,555 century-long diplomatic relations. 8 00:00:20,553 --> 00:00:24,393 But again, we believe it's fitting and appropriate in 9 00:00:24,391 --> 00:00:28,461 the light of the fact that Ethiopia is the Cradle of 10 00:00:28,461 --> 00:00:32,731 Mankind, the beacon light for African independence, 11 00:00:32,732 --> 00:00:35,502 and an inspiration for all the black people's 12 00:00:35,502 --> 00:00:38,572 struggles, and the political capital of Africa. 13 00:00:39,873 --> 00:00:42,343 Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee -- 14 00:00:42,342 --> 00:00:43,882 (laughter) 15 00:00:43,877 --> 00:00:47,677 -- and with so many firsts to its name, and as such a 16 00:00:47,680 --> 00:00:53,050 first and historic visit by the first U.S. 17 00:00:53,052 --> 00:00:56,022 President of African origin, I believe it's a 18 00:00:56,022 --> 00:00:58,262 well-deserved one. 19 00:00:58,258 --> 00:01:01,228 His visit comes at a time when both Africa and 20 00:01:01,227 --> 00:01:05,597 Ethiopia are registering impressive growth, making 21 00:01:05,598 --> 00:01:07,568 important strides. 22 00:01:07,567 --> 00:01:10,207 For Ethiopia, the economy has registered double-digit 23 00:01:10,203 --> 00:01:13,603 growth for the last 12 years, uninterruptedly. 24 00:01:14,641 --> 00:01:17,941 His visit also comes at a time when we're working hard 25 00:01:17,944 --> 00:01:22,514 in improving governance and fighting insecurity, 26 00:01:22,515 --> 00:01:24,685 conflicts and terrorism. 27 00:01:24,684 --> 00:01:28,984 His visit could not have come at a better time, as 28 00:01:28,988 --> 00:01:32,488 the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth, 29 00:01:32,492 --> 00:01:34,492 diplomatically, economically, and more 30 00:01:34,494 --> 00:01:38,464 importantly, in science and technology and education -- 31 00:01:38,465 --> 00:01:41,965 the very things Africa and Ethiopia need in abundance 32 00:01:41,968 --> 00:01:44,638 if they are to sustain their growth. 33 00:01:44,637 --> 00:01:47,937 President Obama's visit represents a new height in 34 00:01:47,941 --> 00:01:49,481 our bilateral relations. 35 00:01:50,443 --> 00:01:53,983 This morning, we have had extensive bilateral 36 00:01:53,980 --> 00:01:58,790 discussions with President Obama on a range of topics. 37 00:01:58,785 --> 00:02:01,755 We have discussed ways of further deepening our 38 00:02:01,754 --> 00:02:05,224 bilateral relations and our cooperation on a number of 39 00:02:05,225 --> 00:02:06,655 issues. 40 00:02:06,659 --> 00:02:10,029 Among the areas we have discussed, we talked at 41 00:02:10,029 --> 00:02:11,699 lengths about the U.S. 42 00:02:11,698 --> 00:02:14,968 support in helping expand trade and investment in 43 00:02:14,968 --> 00:02:15,968 Ethiopia. 44 00:02:16,336 --> 00:02:18,276 As you know, the U.S. 45 00:02:18,271 --> 00:02:22,241 is Ethiopia's strategic partner in many fields. 46 00:02:22,242 --> 00:02:24,742 And the steady of flow of quality investment from the 47 00:02:24,744 --> 00:02:29,254 United States, as much as we crave it, though the recent 48 00:02:29,249 --> 00:02:31,519 beginning is so encouraging, has often 49 00:02:31,518 --> 00:02:34,218 been in short supply. 50 00:02:34,220 --> 00:02:37,290 We have discussed, among other things, how to 51 00:02:37,290 --> 00:02:38,290 encourage U.S. 52 00:02:38,291 --> 00:02:41,731 investors to come to Ethiopia in large numbers, 53 00:02:41,728 --> 00:02:44,368 where there are numerous competitive and comparative 54 00:02:44,364 --> 00:02:46,604 advantages they can benefit from. 55 00:02:48,101 --> 00:02:52,401 We have discussed how best we can take advantage of 56 00:02:52,405 --> 00:02:56,475 President Obama's signature Power Africa initiative, 57 00:02:56,476 --> 00:03:00,376 which is, in our case, has already seen significant 58 00:03:00,380 --> 00:03:04,750 progress made with 1,000 megawatts geothermal 59 00:03:04,751 --> 00:03:07,191 contract to be signed this afternoon. 60 00:03:08,454 --> 00:03:11,294 We have also discussed ways of scaling up the successful 61 00:03:11,291 --> 00:03:14,931 projects that President Obama launched four years 62 00:03:14,928 --> 00:03:19,828 ago in his flagship Alliance for Food Security program, 63 00:03:19,832 --> 00:03:22,372 and launching of similar initiatives. 64 00:03:23,069 --> 00:03:26,939 We have also discussed and reached an understanding on 65 00:03:26,940 --> 00:03:30,710 coordinating our efforts in the global effort to fight 66 00:03:30,710 --> 00:03:35,450 climate change, and to work together for the success of 67 00:03:35,448 --> 00:03:39,118 the COP 21 negotiations in Paris. 68 00:03:39,118 --> 00:03:43,088 Likewise, we have exchanged ideas on ways the U.S. 69 00:03:43,089 --> 00:03:46,959 can champion the Addis Ababa action agenda during the 70 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:49,560 negotiations of the sustainable development 71 00:03:49,562 --> 00:03:51,862 goals in New York next September. 72 00:03:51,864 --> 00:03:54,834 We have also agreed to work on global health epidemics. 73 00:03:57,170 --> 00:03:59,570 We have raised a number of issues on how the U.S. 74 00:03:59,572 --> 00:04:02,742 can support the strengthening of Ethiopia's 75 00:04:02,742 --> 00:04:05,212 democratization process. 76 00:04:05,211 --> 00:04:09,351 My government has expressed its commitment to deepen the 77 00:04:09,349 --> 00:04:13,219 democratic process already underway in the country, and 78 00:04:13,219 --> 00:04:16,489 work towards the respect of human rights and improving 79 00:04:16,489 --> 00:04:17,489 governance. 80 00:04:18,124 --> 00:04:21,164 We have reiterated once again that our commitment to 81 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:24,800 democracy is real, not skin-deep. 82 00:04:24,797 --> 00:04:28,667 We have both noted that we need to step up efforts to 83 00:04:28,668 --> 00:04:32,968 strengthen our institutions and build our capacity in 84 00:04:32,972 --> 00:04:35,242 various areas. 85 00:04:35,241 --> 00:04:36,111 We believe that U.S. 86 00:04:36,109 --> 00:04:41,249 support in this regard as age-old democracy will 87 00:04:41,247 --> 00:04:45,657 contribute to ensuring that our system becomes robust. 88 00:04:45,652 --> 00:04:49,222 We have agreed to continue our engagement despite minor 89 00:04:49,222 --> 00:04:52,962 differences here and there with regard mainly to the 90 00:04:52,959 --> 00:04:55,959 speed with which our democratization process 91 00:04:55,962 --> 00:04:57,132 is moving. 92 00:04:57,964 --> 00:05:01,304 Finally, we have discussed a range of issues related to 93 00:05:01,300 --> 00:05:05,640 cooperation on security and peace-building in the region 94 00:05:05,638 --> 00:05:08,508 and on the pivotal role the U.S. 95 00:05:08,508 --> 00:05:10,348 can and does play. 96 00:05:10,343 --> 00:05:13,283 We have agreed to work closely on South Sudan to 97 00:05:13,279 --> 00:05:17,119 bring lasting peace to the conflict-ridden country. 98 00:05:17,116 --> 00:05:19,956 We have both agreed to work together in building peace 99 00:05:19,952 --> 00:05:24,492 in Somalia by helping create stable institutions and by 100 00:05:24,490 --> 00:05:27,990 strengthening the Somali security forces in their 101 00:05:27,994 --> 00:05:32,664 quest to be in charge of the peace of their own country. 102 00:05:33,700 --> 00:05:36,700 We have agreed to intensify the campaign against 103 00:05:36,703 --> 00:05:40,003 terrorism in the region, and we both noted with 104 00:05:40,006 --> 00:05:44,206 satisfaction the progress AMISOM forces and Somali 105 00:05:44,210 --> 00:05:47,650 National Army are making, with the support of the U.S. 106 00:05:47,647 --> 00:05:50,817 and other partners, in their fight against al-Shabaab. 107 00:05:51,551 --> 00:05:55,021 We have agreed to deepen our intelligence cooperation 108 00:05:55,021 --> 00:05:58,061 both bilaterally as well as regionally. 109 00:05:58,057 --> 00:06:01,027 We have both noted and underscored that this 110 00:06:01,027 --> 00:06:04,767 cooperation is essential to curb the menace posed by 111 00:06:04,764 --> 00:06:06,304 terrorism. 112 00:06:06,299 --> 00:06:08,869 The terrorist attack that was launched in Mogadishu 113 00:06:08,868 --> 00:06:12,938 yesterday is a stark reminder that we need to 114 00:06:12,939 --> 00:06:14,709 work even more in this respect. 115 00:06:15,708 --> 00:06:18,508 In conclusion, we have agreed to continue working 116 00:06:18,511 --> 00:06:21,711 together for better results in all aspects 117 00:06:21,714 --> 00:06:23,284 of our cooperation. 118 00:06:24,183 --> 00:06:26,583 Mr. President, I now call upon you to give 119 00:06:26,586 --> 00:06:27,616 your remarks. 120 00:06:28,454 --> 00:06:30,094 President Obama: Well, thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. 121 00:06:30,089 --> 00:06:32,559 Good afternoon. 122 00:06:32,558 --> 00:06:35,928 Dehna walach-hu. 123 00:06:35,928 --> 00:06:39,328 Prime Minister Hailemariam, we appreciate your kind 124 00:06:39,332 --> 00:06:41,402 words and for the welcome that you've extended to our 125 00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:42,400 delegation. 126 00:06:43,736 --> 00:06:45,976 We've had very productive meetings here today. 127 00:06:45,972 --> 00:06:52,842 And after our bilateral, I had a chance to see the 128 00:06:52,845 --> 00:06:55,545 famous lions that live on the grounds. 129 00:06:55,548 --> 00:06:58,688 I'm considering getting some for the White House. 130 00:06:58,684 --> 00:07:00,324 (laughter) 131 00:07:00,319 --> 00:07:02,659 Although I'll have to make sure that my dogs are safe. 132 00:07:02,655 --> 00:07:03,485 (laughter) 133 00:07:05,825 --> 00:07:08,965 To the people of Ethiopia, thank you for the warmth and 134 00:07:08,961 --> 00:07:12,001 enthusiasm of your welcome and the spirit of friendship 135 00:07:11,998 --> 00:07:15,638 that you've shown me since I've been in Addis. 136 00:07:15,635 --> 00:07:17,335 I am proud to be the first U.S. 137 00:07:17,336 --> 00:07:20,136 President to visit Ethiopia, and, tomorrow, the first 138 00:07:20,139 --> 00:07:21,139 U.S. 139 00:07:21,140 --> 00:07:23,840 President to address the African Union. 140 00:07:23,843 --> 00:07:26,513 So my visit reflects the importance the United States 141 00:07:26,512 --> 00:07:30,152 places on our relationship with Ethiopia and all the 142 00:07:30,149 --> 00:07:33,019 nations and peoples of Africa. 143 00:07:33,019 --> 00:07:35,859 As you noted, Ethiopia and the United States share a 144 00:07:35,855 --> 00:07:36,855 long friendship. 145 00:07:36,856 --> 00:07:40,696 Our people have worked together, traded with each 146 00:07:40,693 --> 00:07:43,633 other, and stood alongside one another for more than 147 00:07:43,629 --> 00:07:45,369 100 years. 148 00:07:45,364 --> 00:07:47,264 The United States is strengthened by the 149 00:07:47,266 --> 00:07:49,736 contributions of Ethiopian Americans every day -- and 150 00:07:49,735 --> 00:07:51,735 that's particularly true in our nation's capital, 151 00:07:51,737 --> 00:07:54,607 Washington, D.C., which has the largest Ethiopian 152 00:07:54,607 --> 00:08:00,947 community outside of Ethiopia -- or at least 153 00:08:00,947 --> 00:08:02,077 outside of Africa. 154 00:08:02,782 --> 00:08:04,782 And we welcome Ethiopian students to study in the 155 00:08:04,784 --> 00:08:06,254 United States. 156 00:08:06,252 --> 00:08:09,122 Through our Young African Leaders Initiative, we're 157 00:08:09,121 --> 00:08:12,161 helping to empower dynamic young Ethiopians with the 158 00:08:12,158 --> 00:08:14,428 tools that they need to make a difference in their 159 00:08:14,427 --> 00:08:16,127 communities. 160 00:08:16,128 --> 00:08:18,428 Ethiopia also hosts one of the largest Peace Corps 161 00:08:18,431 --> 00:08:21,501 programs in the world and has welcomed thousands of 162 00:08:21,500 --> 00:08:22,800 young Americans over the years. 163 00:08:22,802 --> 00:08:26,642 So the connections between our peoples are both deep 164 00:08:26,639 --> 00:08:27,739 and enduring. 165 00:08:27,740 --> 00:08:29,540 And today, the Prime Minister and I spoke about 166 00:08:29,542 --> 00:08:32,012 how we can strengthen the cooperation between 167 00:08:32,011 --> 00:08:33,951 our nations. 168 00:08:34,313 --> 00:08:36,053 First, we're going to continue working together to 169 00:08:36,048 --> 00:08:39,248 advance Ethiopia's economic progress. 170 00:08:39,252 --> 00:08:41,792 Ethiopia has one of the fastest-growing economies in 171 00:08:41,787 --> 00:08:44,287 the world and one of the largest economies in Africa. 172 00:08:44,290 --> 00:08:47,660 And we want to sustain that momentum, because a growing 173 00:08:47,660 --> 00:08:50,360 and inclusive economy in Ethiopia means more 174 00:08:50,363 --> 00:08:52,663 opportunities for the Ethiopian people and more 175 00:08:52,665 --> 00:08:56,765 trade and investment between our nations, which, in turn, 176 00:08:56,769 --> 00:08:58,269 helps to create American jobs. 177 00:08:59,405 --> 00:09:01,145 With the renewal of the African Growth and 178 00:09:01,140 --> 00:09:03,980 Opportunity Act, we'll work to further open American 179 00:09:03,976 --> 00:09:07,046 markets to Ethiopian products and help expand 180 00:09:07,046 --> 00:09:10,116 private sector investment in Ethiopia. 181 00:09:10,116 --> 00:09:12,386 Through our Power Africa initiative, we're working to 182 00:09:12,385 --> 00:09:16,055 unlock Ethiopia's potential for geothermal energy with 183 00:09:16,055 --> 00:09:19,695 the nation's first private sector energy agreement. 184 00:09:19,692 --> 00:09:21,832 And this will help the government meet its 185 00:09:21,827 --> 00:09:24,597 ambitious goal of significantly increasing 186 00:09:24,597 --> 00:09:28,897 access to electricity across Ethiopia and help open the 187 00:09:28,901 --> 00:09:31,541 market to developing Ethiopia's other vast 188 00:09:31,537 --> 00:09:33,377 renewable energy sources. 189 00:09:34,006 --> 00:09:36,476 Second, we're stepping up our cooperation on 190 00:09:36,475 --> 00:09:41,045 development, where Ethiopia has proven itself 191 00:09:41,047 --> 00:09:42,247 a global leader. 192 00:09:42,248 --> 00:09:44,118 To many people around the world, their image of 193 00:09:44,116 --> 00:09:47,416 Ethiopia remains stuck in the past -- remembering 194 00:09:47,420 --> 00:09:48,990 drought and famine. 195 00:09:48,988 --> 00:09:51,558 But in the past 15 years, Ethiopia has lifted millions 196 00:09:51,557 --> 00:09:53,097 of people out of poverty. 197 00:09:53,092 --> 00:09:55,962 We're working closely together to improve food 198 00:09:55,962 --> 00:10:01,602 security, to help farmers plant drought-resistant and 199 00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:02,840 higher-yield crops. 200 00:10:02,835 --> 00:10:04,175 We're building resilience to climate change. 201 00:10:04,170 --> 00:10:06,970 Fewer people are suffering needlessly from preventable 202 00:10:06,973 --> 00:10:08,913 diseases like malaria. 203 00:10:08,908 --> 00:10:10,908 More children are getting an education. 204 00:10:10,910 --> 00:10:13,710 Of course, there are still too many people, 205 00:10:13,713 --> 00:10:16,453 particularly in the rural areas, living in 206 00:10:16,449 --> 00:10:20,249 deprivation, so we have to keep moving on the progress 207 00:10:20,252 --> 00:10:21,252 that's been made. 208 00:10:21,654 --> 00:10:23,654 Prime Minister Hailemariam has demonstrated his 209 00:10:23,656 --> 00:10:26,196 commitment to eliminating extreme poverty. 210 00:10:26,192 --> 00:10:29,262 Ethiopia recently hosted the International Conference on 211 00:10:29,261 --> 00:10:32,461 Financing for Development, which secured a global 212 00:10:32,465 --> 00:10:34,805 consensus about how the nations of the world will 213 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:37,570 deliver on our promises, especially to those 214 00:10:37,570 --> 00:10:39,170 most in need. 215 00:10:39,171 --> 00:10:43,341 Your Prime Minister played a vital role in forging that 216 00:10:43,342 --> 00:10:46,212 consensus, and Ethiopia is now helping to shape a new 217 00:10:46,212 --> 00:10:51,022 set of sustainable development goals for 218 00:10:51,017 --> 00:10:52,017 the world. 219 00:10:52,018 --> 00:10:53,548 Third, our security cooperation is pushing back 220 00:10:53,552 --> 00:10:56,022 against violent extremism. 221 00:10:56,022 --> 00:10:58,762 Ethiopia faces serious threats, and its 222 00:10:58,758 --> 00:11:02,058 contribution to the African Union mission in Somalia 223 00:11:02,061 --> 00:11:04,201 have reduced areas under al-Shabaab control. 224 00:11:04,196 --> 00:11:07,696 But, as the Prime Minister noted, yesterday's bombing 225 00:11:07,700 --> 00:11:11,440 in Mogadishu reminds us that terrorist groups like 226 00:11:11,437 --> 00:11:14,337 al-Shabaab offer nothing but death and destruction and 227 00:11:14,340 --> 00:11:15,640 have to be stopped. 228 00:11:15,641 --> 00:11:17,041 We've got more work to do. 229 00:11:17,043 --> 00:11:19,383 This past week, Ethiopian troops have helped retake 230 00:11:19,378 --> 00:11:22,178 two major al-Shabaab strongholds. 231 00:11:22,181 --> 00:11:24,181 We have to now keep the pressure on. 232 00:11:24,750 --> 00:11:26,750 Ethiopia is a major contributor, as well, to 233 00:11:26,752 --> 00:11:27,752 U.N. 234 00:11:27,753 --> 00:11:30,453 peacekeeping efforts; it contributes more troops than 235 00:11:30,456 --> 00:11:31,456 any other country in Africa. 236 00:11:31,457 --> 00:11:34,357 And we're working together to improve the ability of 237 00:11:34,360 --> 00:11:38,030 Ethiopian peacekeepers to respond rapidly to emerging 238 00:11:38,030 --> 00:11:41,530 crises, before they spiral into widespread violence. 239 00:11:42,701 --> 00:11:44,701 Ethiopia has also been a key partner as we seek to 240 00:11:44,703 --> 00:11:47,843 resolve the ongoing crisis in South Sudan. 241 00:11:47,840 --> 00:11:49,840 Later today, the Prime Minister and I will meet 242 00:11:49,842 --> 00:11:51,912 with leaders from across the region to discuss ways we 243 00:11:51,911 --> 00:11:54,911 can encourage the government and opposition in South 244 00:11:54,914 --> 00:11:58,114 Sudan to end the violence and move toward a peace 245 00:11:58,117 --> 00:11:59,117 agreement. 246 00:11:59,118 --> 00:12:02,188 I want to thank Ethiopia for the sanctuary it provides 247 00:12:02,188 --> 00:12:05,288 hundreds of thousands of refugees who have fled South 248 00:12:05,291 --> 00:12:08,031 Sudan and conflicts throughout the region. 249 00:12:08,027 --> 00:12:11,397 And finally, I would note that everything I've 250 00:12:11,397 --> 00:12:14,297 mentioned --sustained and inclusive growth, 251 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:17,740 development, security gains --also depends on good 252 00:12:17,736 --> 00:12:19,076 governance. 253 00:12:19,071 --> 00:12:20,371 We had a frank discussion. 254 00:12:20,372 --> 00:12:23,842 In a global economy that's increasingly driven by 255 00:12:23,843 --> 00:12:27,383 technology and the Internet, continued growth in Ethiopia 256 00:12:27,379 --> 00:12:29,749 depends on the free flow of information and open 257 00:12:29,748 --> 00:12:32,548 exchanges of ideas. 258 00:12:32,551 --> 00:12:35,751 I believe that when all voices are being heard, when 259 00:12:35,754 --> 00:12:38,094 people know that they're included in the political 260 00:12:38,090 --> 00:12:41,060 process, that makes a country stronger and more 261 00:12:41,060 --> 00:12:42,930 successful and more innovative. 262 00:12:42,928 --> 00:12:46,568 So we discussed steps that Ethiopia can take to show 263 00:12:46,565 --> 00:12:49,735 progress on promoting good governance, protecting human 264 00:12:49,735 --> 00:12:51,635 rights, fundamental freedoms, and 265 00:12:51,637 --> 00:12:52,907 strengthening democracy. 266 00:12:52,905 --> 00:12:57,045 And this is an area where we intend to deepen our 267 00:12:57,042 --> 00:13:01,012 conversations and consultation, because we 268 00:13:01,013 --> 00:13:05,083 strongly believe in Ethiopia's promise 269 00:13:05,084 --> 00:13:06,084 and its people. 270 00:13:06,585 --> 00:13:09,485 Ethiopia is a strong partner with the United States and a 271 00:13:09,488 --> 00:13:12,288 leader on so many vital issues in the region. 272 00:13:12,291 --> 00:13:15,561 And it has the opportunity now to extend its leadership 273 00:13:15,561 --> 00:13:18,331 in ways that benefit all of Ethiopia's people and that 274 00:13:18,330 --> 00:13:21,530 sets a positive example for the region. 275 00:13:21,534 --> 00:13:24,934 It's hard work, but my message today to the people 276 00:13:24,937 --> 00:13:28,137 of Ethiopia is that, as you take steps moving your 277 00:13:28,140 --> 00:13:31,110 country forward, the United States will be standing by 278 00:13:31,110 --> 00:13:32,340 you the entire way. 279 00:13:32,878 --> 00:13:35,848 So, Prime Minister, thank you for your hospitality and 280 00:13:35,848 --> 00:13:40,588 for the important work that our nations do together. 281 00:13:40,586 --> 00:13:43,226 Ameseginalehu. 282 00:13:43,222 --> 00:13:47,962 (applause) 283 00:14:00,372 --> 00:14:02,172 The Press: Thank you very much, Mr. President and 284 00:14:02,174 --> 00:14:06,214 Mr. Prime Minister. 285 00:14:06,212 --> 00:14:08,112 Mr. President, you mentioned earlier that combatting 286 00:14:08,113 --> 00:14:11,213 terrorism is one of the areas in which Ethiopia and 287 00:14:11,217 --> 00:14:13,317 the U.S. are partnering. 288 00:14:13,319 --> 00:14:16,059 However, organizations based in the U.S. 289 00:14:16,055 --> 00:14:17,655 and Eritrea are 290 00:14:17,656 --> 00:14:19,296 (inaudible) 291 00:14:19,291 --> 00:14:20,861 in Ethiopia's anti-terrorism efforts. 292 00:14:20,859 --> 00:14:22,429 How will your government assist Ethiopia in this 293 00:14:22,428 --> 00:14:23,158 regard? 294 00:14:23,996 --> 00:14:26,296 And secondly, in regards to trade and investment 295 00:14:26,298 --> 00:14:29,698 cooperation, how committed is your government to 296 00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:32,602 transform the aid-based Ethiopia-U.S. 297 00:14:32,605 --> 00:14:35,575 relations to a mutually beneficial trade and 298 00:14:35,574 --> 00:14:36,744 investment cooperation? 299 00:14:36,742 --> 00:14:39,782 Thank you very much. 300 00:14:39,778 --> 00:14:41,018 President Obama: Well, on the first issue, this was 301 00:14:41,013 --> 00:14:42,813 part of our conversation both with respect to 302 00:14:42,815 --> 00:14:47,415 security, but also with respect to good governance 303 00:14:47,419 --> 00:14:51,119 and human rights issues. 304 00:14:51,123 --> 00:14:54,623 Our policy is that we oppose terrorism wherever 305 00:14:54,627 --> 00:14:56,697 it may occur. 306 00:14:56,695 --> 00:15:03,235 And we are opposed to any group that is promoting the 307 00:15:03,235 --> 00:15:07,945 violent overthrow of a government, including the 308 00:15:07,940 --> 00:15:13,850 government of Ethiopia, that has been democratically elected. 309 00:15:15,581 --> 00:15:20,691 I also shared with the Prime Minister our interest in 310 00:15:20,686 --> 00:15:22,686 deepening intelligence cooperation. 311 00:15:22,688 --> 00:15:26,188 And we've had some fruitful discussions about ending the 312 00:15:26,191 --> 00:15:30,531 flow of foreign financing for terrorism. 313 00:15:30,529 --> 00:15:34,069 Our cooperation regionally is excellent. 314 00:15:34,066 --> 00:15:39,506 I know that there are certain groups that have 315 00:15:39,505 --> 00:15:42,845 been active in Ethiopia that, from the Ethiopian 316 00:15:42,841 --> 00:15:46,241 government's perspective, pose a significant threat. 317 00:15:46,245 --> 00:15:48,785 Our intelligence indicates that while they may oppose 318 00:15:48,781 --> 00:15:53,381 the government, they have not tipped into terrorism. 319 00:15:53,385 --> 00:15:57,225 And we have some very clear standards in terms of how we 320 00:15:57,222 --> 00:15:58,522 evaluate that. 321 00:15:58,524 --> 00:16:02,594 But what I indicated to the Prime Minister is, is that 322 00:16:02,594 --> 00:16:06,034 in our consultations and deepening intelligence 323 00:16:06,031 --> 00:16:09,801 cooperation, we will look and see what evidence we 324 00:16:09,802 --> 00:16:13,642 have, where there are real problems, and where we see 325 00:16:13,639 --> 00:16:18,749 genuine terrorist activity. 326 00:16:18,744 --> 00:16:20,844 That's something that we are going to want to cooperate 327 00:16:20,846 --> 00:16:21,846 with and stop. 328 00:16:22,114 --> 00:16:27,154 So a lot of this has to do with how we define a 329 00:16:27,152 --> 00:16:29,292 particular group's activities. 330 00:16:29,288 --> 00:16:34,198 If they are just talking about issues and are in 331 00:16:34,193 --> 00:16:41,163 opposition and are operating as political organizations, 332 00:16:41,166 --> 00:16:44,106 we tend to be protective of them even if we don't agree 333 00:16:44,103 --> 00:16:44,973 with them. 334 00:16:44,970 --> 00:16:45,940 That's true in the United States; that's true 335 00:16:45,938 --> 00:16:47,208 everywhere. 336 00:16:47,206 --> 00:16:49,446 And we think that's part of what's necessary for a 337 00:16:49,441 --> 00:16:50,781 democracy. 338 00:16:50,776 --> 00:16:55,716 If they tip into activities that are violent and are 339 00:16:55,714 --> 00:17:01,354 undermining a properly constituted government, then 340 00:17:01,353 --> 00:17:02,353 we have a concern. 341 00:17:02,354 --> 00:17:05,494 And so this will be a matter of facts -- what are the 342 00:17:05,491 --> 00:17:09,091 facts with respect to this issue -- in determining how 343 00:17:09,094 --> 00:17:10,134 we can work together. 344 00:17:11,163 --> 00:17:17,403 On shifting development models, part of what I've 345 00:17:17,403 --> 00:17:19,703 been preaching ever since I came into office, and what 346 00:17:19,705 --> 00:17:22,705 we've been putting into practice as I travel across 347 00:17:22,708 --> 00:17:25,608 the continent of Africa, but this is also true in Latin 348 00:17:25,611 --> 00:17:31,621 America, it's true in Asia -- in this modern world, it 349 00:17:33,685 --> 00:17:37,525 is not enough just to provide aid. 350 00:17:37,523 --> 00:17:38,653 Sometimes aid is critical. 351 00:17:38,657 --> 00:17:42,557 I mean, we're very proud of the work that we've done to 352 00:17:42,561 --> 00:17:48,071 provide health aid that has saved millions of lives with 353 00:17:48,066 --> 00:17:51,166 respect to HIV/AIDS. 354 00:17:51,170 --> 00:17:54,610 We are very proud of our ability to mobilize 355 00:17:54,606 --> 00:17:57,176 humanitarian assistance when there's a drought and the 356 00:17:57,176 --> 00:18:00,246 potential for starvation. 357 00:18:00,245 --> 00:18:02,515 Those are still necessary. 358 00:18:02,514 --> 00:18:06,654 But what we also believe is that we are your best 359 00:18:06,652 --> 00:18:10,222 partners and your best friends when we are 360 00:18:10,222 --> 00:18:11,792 building capacity. 361 00:18:11,723 --> 00:18:14,863 So instead of just giving a fish, we teach you 362 00:18:14,860 --> 00:18:17,330 how to fish. 363 00:18:17,329 --> 00:18:23,699 And whether it's the work we're doing in agriculture, 364 00:18:23,702 --> 00:18:31,172 or on energy, our goal is not to simply provide 365 00:18:31,176 --> 00:18:35,916 something and then we go away, and then later on, we 366 00:18:35,914 --> 00:18:37,914 need to give you something more. 367 00:18:37,916 --> 00:18:43,226 Our goal is to help you advance your development 368 00:18:43,222 --> 00:18:46,762 agenda so that it's Ethiopian businesses and 369 00:18:46,758 --> 00:18:49,958 Ethiopian technical experts, and Ethiopian scientists, 370 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:56,072 and Ethiopian agricultural workers who are continually 371 00:18:56,068 --> 00:19:02,508 building capacity and increasing development 372 00:19:02,508 --> 00:19:03,508 inside the country. 373 00:19:03,575 --> 00:19:06,375 And on that, we can be a very effective partner. 374 00:19:06,378 --> 00:19:10,918 And that, then, allows us also to trade and engage the 375 00:19:10,916 --> 00:19:13,216 private sector in this process. 376 00:19:13,519 --> 00:19:16,989 So, on Power Africa, for example, we are providing 377 00:19:16,989 --> 00:19:18,989 billions of dollars from the U.S. 378 00:19:18,991 --> 00:19:20,991 government, and we're leveraging the Swedish 379 00:19:20,993 --> 00:19:26,363 government and World Bank to create a fund that helps to 380 00:19:26,365 --> 00:19:27,965 facilitate transactions. 381 00:19:27,966 --> 00:19:31,636 But what we're also doing is working with the Ethiopian 382 00:19:31,637 --> 00:19:36,337 government to leverage that money so that the private 383 00:19:36,341 --> 00:19:41,751 sector says, we'd like to invest in Ethiopia, as well, 384 00:19:41,747 --> 00:19:48,557 and helping advise the Ethiopian Energy Ministry 385 00:19:48,554 --> 00:19:51,854 and technical experts on what may be the best models 386 00:19:51,857 --> 00:19:55,957 for reaching rural areas, for example -- which may not 387 00:19:55,961 --> 00:19:59,231 always involve big power plants but might involve 388 00:19:59,231 --> 00:20:03,031 off-grid, smaller models of development that are 389 00:20:03,035 --> 00:20:07,175 sustainable and are not dependent on constant 390 00:20:07,172 --> 00:20:10,842 financial flows from the West, but instead build up 391 00:20:10,842 --> 00:20:16,052 local capacity and are best suited for the particular 392 00:20:16,048 --> 00:20:18,788 environment where electricity is needed. 393 00:20:19,551 --> 00:20:21,791 So that, I think, is going to be true in health, 394 00:20:21,787 --> 00:20:23,857 energy, agriculture. 395 00:20:23,855 --> 00:20:31,695 The more that Ethiopians are able to grow rapidly on 396 00:20:31,697 --> 00:20:36,337 their own, then our relationship becomes one of 397 00:20:36,335 --> 00:20:39,875 mutual interest, mutual respect. 398 00:20:39,871 --> 00:20:42,711 And Ethiopia then becomes a leader, and it can then help 399 00:20:42,708 --> 00:20:45,778 other countries that are not as advanced on the 400 00:20:45,777 --> 00:20:47,417 development scales. 401 00:20:47,412 --> 00:20:52,022 And then we can partner with you to help Somalia as it's 402 00:20:52,017 --> 00:20:56,887 rebuilding after decades of failed governance. 403 00:21:01,159 --> 00:21:01,959 Mr. Earnest: Our next question will come from 404 00:21:01,960 --> 00:21:03,200 Kevin Corke with Fox News. 405 00:21:03,195 --> 00:21:08,565 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. 406 00:21:08,567 --> 00:21:10,807 I'd like to ask you about balance. 407 00:21:10,802 --> 00:21:14,602 And you often speak about the importance of rewarding 408 00:21:14,606 --> 00:21:18,306 good governance, and so I'm wondering how do you balance 409 00:21:18,310 --> 00:21:21,880 your obvious concerns about human rights here in 410 00:21:21,880 --> 00:21:24,620 Ethiopia with a desire for increased economic 411 00:21:24,616 --> 00:21:27,556 partnership and strengthening regional 412 00:21:27,552 --> 00:21:28,992 security cooperation? 413 00:21:28,987 --> 00:21:32,227 And if I could follow up -- have you ruled out, or would 414 00:21:32,224 --> 00:21:35,664 you consider increased military involvement by the 415 00:21:35,661 --> 00:21:39,301 United States in East Africa to battle al-Shabaab? 416 00:21:39,297 --> 00:21:42,337 And if so, what lessons could be learned from the 417 00:21:42,334 --> 00:21:44,704 battle against ISIS, for example, that might be 418 00:21:44,703 --> 00:21:46,273 relevant here? 419 00:21:46,772 --> 00:21:48,812 And, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your great 420 00:21:48,807 --> 00:21:51,277 hospitality in your beautiful country. 421 00:21:51,276 --> 00:21:54,976 I'd like to ask you about perception. 422 00:21:54,980 --> 00:21:56,980 For all the incredible things that are happening 423 00:21:56,982 --> 00:22:00,782 here in Ethiopia -- a strengthening economy, great 424 00:22:00,786 --> 00:22:03,156 investment right now in renewable energy 425 00:22:03,155 --> 00:22:06,895 infrastructure -- there is still a perception, sir, 426 00:22:06,892 --> 00:22:10,962 that human rights abuses are tolerated here, and that 427 00:22:10,962 --> 00:22:14,032 could really be affecting international investment in 428 00:22:14,032 --> 00:22:15,172 your economy. 429 00:22:15,167 --> 00:22:16,707 Are you concerned about that? 430 00:22:16,702 --> 00:22:19,572 If so, how can concerned, and what might you be doing, 431 00:22:19,571 --> 00:22:21,041 sir, to change that perception? 432 00:22:21,039 --> 00:22:22,109 Thank you. 433 00:22:22,107 --> 00:22:26,447 President Obama: Well, as I said in my opening remarks, 434 00:22:26,445 --> 00:22:31,915 this was a significant topic of conversation. 435 00:22:31,917 --> 00:22:37,157 We are very mindful of Ethiopia's history -- the 436 00:22:37,155 --> 00:22:40,555 hardships that this country has gone through. 437 00:22:40,559 --> 00:22:42,999 It has been relatively recently in which the 438 00:22:42,994 --> 00:22:46,994 constitution that was formed and the elections put 439 00:22:46,998 --> 00:22:52,068 forward a democratically elected government. 440 00:22:52,070 --> 00:22:58,480 And as I indicated when I was in Kenya, there is still 441 00:22:58,477 --> 00:23:00,877 more work to do, and I think the Prime Minister is the 442 00:23:00,879 --> 00:23:05,049 first to acknowledge that there's more work to do. 443 00:23:05,083 --> 00:23:08,823 The way we think about these issues is we want to engage 444 00:23:08,820 --> 00:23:15,030 with governments on areas of mutual concern and interest 445 00:23:15,026 --> 00:23:18,466 -- the same way, by the way, that we deal with China and 446 00:23:18,463 --> 00:23:24,233 deal with a range of other countries where the 447 00:23:24,236 --> 00:23:29,036 democratic practices or issues around freedom of the 448 00:23:29,040 --> 00:23:32,640 press and assembly are not ones that align with how we 449 00:23:32,644 --> 00:23:35,714 are thinking about it, but we continually bring it up 450 00:23:35,714 --> 00:23:39,114 and we indicate that this is part of our core interest 451 00:23:39,117 --> 00:23:42,357 and concern in our foreign policy. 452 00:23:42,354 --> 00:23:43,424 That's true here as well. 453 00:23:45,690 --> 00:23:50,200 My observation to the Prime Minister has been that the 454 00:23:50,195 --> 00:23:55,265 governing party has significant breadth and 455 00:23:55,267 --> 00:23:57,037 popularity. 456 00:23:57,035 --> 00:24:03,645 And as a consequence, making sure to open additional 457 00:24:03,642 --> 00:24:08,952 space for journalists, for media, for opposition 458 00:24:08,947 --> 00:24:11,947 voices, will strengthen rather than inhibit the 459 00:24:11,950 --> 00:24:16,220 agenda that the Prime Minister and the ruling 460 00:24:16,221 --> 00:24:17,221 party has put forward. 461 00:24:18,623 --> 00:24:24,133 And I think our goal here is to make sure that we are a 462 00:24:24,129 --> 00:24:29,169 constructive partner, recognizing that Ethiopia 463 00:24:29,167 --> 00:24:32,007 has its own culture and it's not going to be identical to 464 00:24:32,003 --> 00:24:34,543 what we do, but there are certain principles that we 465 00:24:34,539 --> 00:24:36,439 think have to be upheld. 466 00:24:38,376 --> 00:24:42,446 The one thing that I've tried to be consistent on, 467 00:24:42,447 --> 00:24:46,317 though, is to make sure that we don't operate with big 468 00:24:46,318 --> 00:24:49,588 countries in one fashion and small countries in another. 469 00:24:49,588 --> 00:24:56,258 Nobody questions our need to engage with large countries 470 00:24:56,261 --> 00:24:58,361 where we may have differences on these issues. 471 00:25:00,732 --> 00:25:04,202 That's true with Africa as well. 472 00:25:04,202 --> 00:25:09,812 We don't improve cooperation and advance the very 473 00:25:09,808 --> 00:25:13,808 interest that you talk about by staying away. 474 00:25:13,812 --> 00:25:16,012 So we have to be in a conversation. 475 00:25:16,014 --> 00:25:21,254 And I think the Prime Minister will indicate that 476 00:25:21,253 --> 00:25:24,453 I don't bite my tongue too much when it comes to these 477 00:25:24,456 --> 00:25:29,426 issues, but I do so from a position of respect and 478 00:25:29,427 --> 00:25:33,227 regard for the Ethiopian people, and recognizing 479 00:25:33,231 --> 00:25:35,301 their history and the challenges that they 480 00:25:35,300 --> 00:25:36,300 continue to face. 481 00:25:38,203 --> 00:25:40,703 With respect to our military assistance, keep in mind 482 00:25:40,705 --> 00:25:43,875 that we have been active in the fight against al-Shabaab 483 00:25:43,875 --> 00:25:45,675 for a long time now. 484 00:25:45,677 --> 00:25:49,317 And we've been partnering with Ethiopia and Kenya and 485 00:25:49,314 --> 00:25:51,814 Uganda and the African Union and AMISOM. 486 00:25:51,816 --> 00:25:58,656 And that's something that I think those other countries 487 00:25:58,657 --> 00:26:02,557 would agree has been a very effective partnership. 488 00:26:02,560 --> 00:26:05,800 Part of the reason that we've seen the shrinkage of 489 00:26:05,797 --> 00:26:10,197 al-Shabaab's activities in East Africa is because we 490 00:26:10,201 --> 00:26:15,811 have our military teams in consultation with regional 491 00:26:15,807 --> 00:26:19,447 forces and local forces, and there are certain capacities 492 00:26:19,444 --> 00:26:23,014 that we have that some of these militaries may not, 493 00:26:23,014 --> 00:26:27,424 and I think there's been complementarity in the work 494 00:26:27,419 --> 00:26:28,419 that we've done together. 495 00:26:29,020 --> 00:26:35,730 So we don't need to send our own Marines, for example, in 496 00:26:35,727 --> 00:26:37,497 to do the fighting. 497 00:26:37,495 --> 00:26:42,365 The Ethiopians are tough fighters. 498 00:26:42,367 --> 00:26:46,737 And the Kenyans and Ugandans have been serious about 499 00:26:46,738 --> 00:26:49,378 putting troops on the ground, at significant 500 00:26:49,374 --> 00:26:51,674 sacrifice, because they recognize the importance of 501 00:26:51,676 --> 00:26:52,676 stabilizing the region. 502 00:26:53,178 --> 00:26:55,448 That's why, in the past, I've said, for example, that 503 00:26:55,447 --> 00:26:59,517 the work that we're doing in Somalia is a model. 504 00:26:59,517 --> 00:27:02,787 Some in the press have noted that al-Shabaab is still 505 00:27:02,787 --> 00:27:04,787 here, and they say, well, how can that be a model if 506 00:27:04,789 --> 00:27:07,129 you still have bombs going off? 507 00:27:07,125 --> 00:27:11,025 The point that I was making at that time is not that 508 00:27:11,029 --> 00:27:14,299 defeating any of these terrorist networks is easy, 509 00:27:14,299 --> 00:27:16,469 or that the problems in Somalia are 510 00:27:16,468 --> 00:27:17,668 completely solved. 511 00:27:17,669 --> 00:27:22,709 The point I was making was that a model in which we are 512 00:27:22,707 --> 00:27:27,947 partnering with other countries and they are 513 00:27:27,946 --> 00:27:32,986 providing outstanding troops on the ground -- we're 514 00:27:32,984 --> 00:27:35,584 working with, in this case, the Somali government, which 515 00:27:35,587 --> 00:27:40,157 is still very much in its infancy, to develop its 516 00:27:40,158 --> 00:27:43,158 national security capacity -- so that we're doing 517 00:27:43,161 --> 00:27:45,401 things that we can do uniquely but does not 518 00:27:45,397 --> 00:27:50,197 require us putting boots on the ground -- that's the 519 00:27:50,201 --> 00:27:52,041 model that we're talking about. 520 00:27:52,037 --> 00:27:54,677 And Ethiopia is an outstanding partner in 521 00:27:54,672 --> 00:27:55,672 that process. 522 00:27:55,673 --> 00:27:57,943 They have one of the most effective militaries on 523 00:27:57,942 --> 00:27:58,942 the continent. 524 00:27:58,943 --> 00:28:02,783 And as I noted in my earlier remarks, they are also one 525 00:28:02,781 --> 00:28:04,951 of the biggest contributors to peacekeeping. 526 00:28:04,949 --> 00:28:08,049 And so they're averting a lot of bloodshed and a lot 527 00:28:08,053 --> 00:28:11,223 of conflict because of the effectiveness of their 528 00:28:11,222 --> 00:28:13,222 military, and we want to make sure that we're 529 00:28:13,224 --> 00:28:14,224 supporting that. 530 00:28:14,225 --> 00:28:19,265 Prime Minister Hailemariam: We fully understand that the 531 00:28:19,264 --> 00:28:23,704 perception and the reality does not, in many cases, 532 00:28:23,701 --> 00:28:26,871 match as far as Ethiopia is concerned. 533 00:28:26,871 --> 00:28:29,471 Therefore, we want to work on this issue; 534 00:28:29,474 --> 00:28:31,474 it's our concern. 535 00:28:32,744 --> 00:28:35,214 But something has to be understood that this is a 536 00:28:35,213 --> 00:28:41,283 fledgling democracy, and we are coming out of centuries 537 00:28:41,286 --> 00:28:45,186 of undemocratic practices and culture in this country. 538 00:28:45,190 --> 00:28:49,530 And it's not easy within a few decades -- in our case, 539 00:28:49,527 --> 00:28:52,927 only two decades of democratization -- that we 540 00:28:52,931 --> 00:28:56,901 can get rid of all this attitudinal problems, and 541 00:28:56,901 --> 00:28:59,441 some challenge we face. 542 00:28:59,437 --> 00:29:02,837 But we feel that we are on the right track, and there 543 00:29:02,841 --> 00:29:07,081 is a constitutional democracy which we all are 544 00:29:07,078 --> 00:29:11,318 obliged to observe for the sake of our own people and 545 00:29:11,316 --> 00:29:12,316 prosperity. 546 00:29:12,350 --> 00:29:16,550 So I think this is a way that we have to work on. 547 00:29:16,554 --> 00:29:20,324 That's why I said in my speech that we have to learn 548 00:29:20,325 --> 00:29:23,765 the best practices of the United States and age-old 549 00:29:23,761 --> 00:29:28,001 democracies, because this is a process of learning and 550 00:29:27,999 --> 00:29:32,099 doing, and I think we fully understand that. 551 00:29:32,103 --> 00:29:35,273 And, of course, we also know our limitations and we have 552 00:29:35,273 --> 00:29:39,773 to work on our limitations to make ultimately to the 553 00:29:39,777 --> 00:29:42,247 betterment of our own people. 554 00:29:42,247 --> 00:29:46,487 So I think that is a concern that we have to work on. 555 00:29:58,263 --> 00:30:00,133 The Press: My question for you, Prime Minister 556 00:30:00,131 --> 00:30:02,531 Hailemariam Desalegn is, what do you expect from the 557 00:30:02,534 --> 00:30:04,274 United States and the rest of the international 558 00:30:04,269 --> 00:30:06,239 community in terms of supporting the peace and 559 00:30:06,237 --> 00:30:09,337 security efforts in the Horn of Africa, as well as how 560 00:30:09,340 --> 00:30:12,610 successful was your bilateral discussion with 561 00:30:12,610 --> 00:30:14,180 President Obama, specifically in regards 562 00:30:14,179 --> 00:30:15,579 to economic ties? 563 00:30:16,581 --> 00:30:19,251 And, President Obama, my question for you is, what 564 00:30:19,250 --> 00:30:21,420 are your thoughts specifically on the IGAD 565 00:30:21,419 --> 00:30:24,019 Plus peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan? 566 00:30:29,260 --> 00:30:30,500 Prime Minister Hailemariam: As far as the economic 567 00:30:30,495 --> 00:30:33,695 cooperation is concerned, I mentioned that Ethiopia is 568 00:30:33,698 --> 00:30:37,438 one of the vibrant economies, which is rising. 569 00:30:37,435 --> 00:30:41,875 And we need -- you know, we don't want to put all our 570 00:30:41,873 --> 00:30:43,643 eggs in one basket. 571 00:30:43,641 --> 00:30:46,811 We need a comprehensive quality investment from 572 00:30:46,811 --> 00:30:48,951 every corner of the globe. 573 00:30:48,947 --> 00:30:52,587 And specifically, at this time, we agreed that the 574 00:30:52,584 --> 00:30:54,824 President is going to support us, his government 575 00:30:54,819 --> 00:30:58,219 is going to support us in bringing quality investment 576 00:30:58,223 --> 00:30:59,223 to Ethiopia. 577 00:30:59,891 --> 00:31:03,231 We have longstanding relations, diplomatic 578 00:31:03,228 --> 00:31:06,968 relations, but the investment flow doesn't 579 00:31:06,965 --> 00:31:10,405 match that long history of cooperation between Ethiopia 580 00:31:10,401 --> 00:31:12,271 and the United States. 581 00:31:12,270 --> 00:31:15,110 So I think there is room. 582 00:31:15,106 --> 00:31:19,946 Recently, we have a number of renowned companies from 583 00:31:19,944 --> 00:31:23,244 the United States showing up to invest in my country. 584 00:31:23,248 --> 00:31:26,218 But we also understand that we have to improve our 585 00:31:26,217 --> 00:31:30,187 investment climate and environment where there are 586 00:31:30,188 --> 00:31:32,788 stifling issues here and there, bureaucratic 587 00:31:32,790 --> 00:31:34,890 bottlenecks, that has to be addressed. 588 00:31:34,892 --> 00:31:37,692 And we are on stop of them and we can address them. 589 00:31:37,695 --> 00:31:41,695 I think by doing so, we can attract more foreign direct 590 00:31:41,699 --> 00:31:42,739 investment from the United States. 591 00:31:44,469 --> 00:31:47,109 As far as the security cooperation in concerned, I 592 00:31:47,105 --> 00:31:50,375 think we believe that Africans should take our own 593 00:31:50,375 --> 00:31:52,645 responsibility by our own hand. 594 00:31:52,644 --> 00:31:55,684 We need support from the United States, but it 595 00:31:55,680 --> 00:31:57,950 doesn't meant that the United States is going to 596 00:31:57,949 --> 00:32:01,249 replace us in picking our own agenda in Africa. 597 00:32:01,986 --> 00:32:04,686 That's why Ethiopia is contributing peacekeeping 598 00:32:04,689 --> 00:32:09,529 force -- a number which the President has mentioned. 599 00:32:09,527 --> 00:32:13,697 And we're also working on increasing the capability of 600 00:32:13,698 --> 00:32:16,668 our troops in peacekeeping. 601 00:32:16,668 --> 00:32:19,138 But the most important thing is we have to engage the 602 00:32:19,137 --> 00:32:22,477 people of Africa and their respective countries to make 603 00:32:22,473 --> 00:32:27,113 peace and the governance system that helps the people 604 00:32:27,111 --> 00:32:28,111 to engage. 605 00:32:28,313 --> 00:32:30,313 So I think we are on the right track. 606 00:32:30,315 --> 00:32:33,485 And we can make changes in Somalia and, I am hopeful, 607 00:32:33,484 --> 00:32:35,184 also in South Sudan. 608 00:32:35,186 --> 00:32:39,626 And I think in many cases, this shouldn't mar the 609 00:32:39,624 --> 00:32:44,064 picture of Africa where, in large, Africa is now rising, 610 00:32:44,062 --> 00:32:47,262 and Africa is showing -- becoming the next growing 611 00:32:47,265 --> 00:32:50,565 tide for economic development and cooperation. 612 00:32:50,568 --> 00:32:53,668 So I think we are on the right track in this 613 00:32:53,671 --> 00:32:54,671 cooperation. 614 00:32:54,672 --> 00:33:00,382 President Obama: IGAD has been a vital partner to the 615 00:33:00,378 --> 00:33:03,548 international community in leading discussions between 616 00:33:06,684 --> 00:33:10,084 Mr. Kiir, Mr. Machar, the government opposition 617 00:33:10,088 --> 00:33:12,758 figures in South Sudan. 618 00:33:12,757 --> 00:33:16,957 Unfortunately, the situation continues to deteriorate. 619 00:33:16,961 --> 00:33:21,701 That's not because IGAD has not tried hard enough. 620 00:33:21,699 --> 00:33:27,439 I know that between Prime Minister Hailemariam and 621 00:33:27,438 --> 00:33:32,208 other partners in IGAD, there has been a lot of time 622 00:33:32,210 --> 00:33:35,380 and a lot of effort to push the parties together. 623 00:33:36,881 --> 00:33:39,381 Nevertheless, the situation is deteriorating. 624 00:33:39,384 --> 00:33:42,884 The humanitarian situation is worsening. 625 00:33:42,887 --> 00:33:50,257 The possibilities of renewed conflict in a region that 626 00:33:50,261 --> 00:33:56,971 has been torn by conflict for so long and has resulted 627 00:33:56,968 --> 00:34:01,038 in so many deaths is something that requires 628 00:34:01,038 --> 00:34:04,138 urgent attention from all of us, including the 629 00:34:04,142 --> 00:34:05,142 international community. 630 00:34:05,143 --> 00:34:09,713 That's why, after this press conference, we'll be 631 00:34:09,714 --> 00:34:14,484 consulting with leaders from the other countries who have 632 00:34:14,485 --> 00:34:19,095 been involved in IGAD to see how the United States, IGAD, 633 00:34:19,090 --> 00:34:23,590 and the international community can work to bring 634 00:34:23,594 --> 00:34:29,604 a peace agreement and a structure to fruition 635 00:34:31,836 --> 00:34:33,976 sometime in the next several weeks. 636 00:34:33,971 --> 00:34:37,441 We don't have a lot of time to wait. 637 00:34:37,442 --> 00:34:41,112 The conditions on the ground are getting much, much 638 00:34:41,112 --> 00:34:42,342 worse. 639 00:34:42,346 --> 00:34:46,856 And part of my interest in calling together this 640 00:34:46,851 --> 00:34:51,461 meeting was to find out how we can help. 641 00:34:51,989 --> 00:34:55,589 Up until this point, it's been very useful to have the 642 00:34:55,593 --> 00:34:57,563 African countries take the lead. 643 00:34:57,562 --> 00:35:02,502 As Prime Minister Hailemariam stated, the more 644 00:35:02,500 --> 00:35:06,700 that Africans are solving African problems, the better 645 00:35:06,704 --> 00:35:09,174 off we're going to be. 646 00:35:09,173 --> 00:35:14,813 But we also think that we can be a mechanism for 647 00:35:14,812 --> 00:35:18,482 additional leverage on the parties, who, up until this 648 00:35:18,483 --> 00:35:24,653 point, have proven very stubborn and have not yet 649 00:35:24,655 --> 00:35:28,095 risen to the point where they are looking out for the 650 00:35:28,092 --> 00:35:31,662 interests of their nation as opposed to their particular 651 00:35:31,662 --> 00:35:32,662 self-interests. 652 00:35:32,663 --> 00:35:35,033 And that transition has to take place, and it has to 653 00:35:35,032 --> 00:35:36,032 take place now. 654 00:35:36,033 --> 00:35:41,343 Mr. Earnest: The final question will come from 655 00:35:41,339 --> 00:35:46,609 Darlene Superville with the Associated Press. 656 00:35:46,611 --> 00:35:48,141 The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. 657 00:35:48,145 --> 00:35:50,245 I wanted to follow up on the Sudan question. 658 00:35:50,248 --> 00:35:53,288 As you go into this meeting that you just mentioned, are 659 00:35:53,284 --> 00:35:55,654 you expecting any breakthroughs that will get 660 00:35:55,653 --> 00:35:57,853 both sides to agree to a peace deal by the 661 00:35:57,855 --> 00:35:59,925 August 17th deadline? 662 00:35:59,924 --> 00:36:01,494 And if there is no agreement, what further 663 00:36:01,492 --> 00:36:04,862 steps would you be willing to take to bring that about? 664 00:36:04,862 --> 00:36:06,762 And if I could ask about Iran. 665 00:36:06,764 --> 00:36:08,704 Would you kindly bring us up to date on the 666 00:36:08,699 --> 00:36:12,839 administration's lobbying of Congress to get approval 667 00:36:12,837 --> 00:36:13,837 for the deal? 668 00:36:13,838 --> 00:36:16,308 And would you include your reaction to Republican 669 00:36:16,307 --> 00:36:18,707 Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee saying that the 670 00:36:18,709 --> 00:36:22,209 deal is the equivalent of marching the Israelis toward 671 00:36:22,213 --> 00:36:23,883 "the door of the oven"? 672 00:36:25,016 --> 00:36:27,686 Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for your hospitality. 673 00:36:28,819 --> 00:36:32,319 Would you also add your thoughts on the situation in 674 00:36:32,323 --> 00:36:35,223 Sudan and how to bring peace over there? 675 00:36:35,226 --> 00:36:37,796 The second question I have for you is, the Committee to 676 00:36:37,795 --> 00:36:40,495 Protect Journalists ranks your country as the 677 00:36:40,498 --> 00:36:43,938 second-worst jailer of journalists in Africa. 678 00:36:43,935 --> 00:36:45,905 Just before President Obama arrived here, some 679 00:36:45,903 --> 00:36:47,703 journalists were released. 680 00:36:47,705 --> 00:36:49,775 Many more are still being detained. 681 00:36:49,774 --> 00:36:52,644 Would you explain what issues or objections you 682 00:36:52,643 --> 00:36:54,183 have to a free press? 683 00:36:54,178 --> 00:36:55,078 Thank you. 684 00:36:55,079 --> 00:37:01,089 President Obama: On South Sudan, the goal here is to 685 00:37:04,822 --> 00:37:09,332 make sure that the United States and IGAD are aligned 686 00:37:09,327 --> 00:37:16,867 on a strategy going into this endgame on peace talks. 687 00:37:16,867 --> 00:37:22,237 So my hope is that, as a result of these 688 00:37:22,239 --> 00:37:29,619 consultations, that we agree on how urgent it is and what 689 00:37:29,614 --> 00:37:33,754 each of us have to do to actually bring a deal about. 690 00:37:34,785 --> 00:37:39,755 I don't want to prejudge what I'll hear from the 691 00:37:39,757 --> 00:37:41,557 President of Uganda, for example, until I actually 692 00:37:41,559 --> 00:37:43,459 hear from him. 693 00:37:43,461 --> 00:37:48,801 But the good news is that all of us recognize that 694 00:37:48,799 --> 00:37:52,499 something has got to move, because IGAD has now been 695 00:37:52,503 --> 00:37:55,443 involved with consultations with these individuals for a 696 00:37:55,439 --> 00:37:58,909 very, very long time, and our special envoys that have 697 00:37:58,909 --> 00:38:04,319 been involved in this for years now have concluded 698 00:38:04,315 --> 00:38:07,215 that now is the time for a breakthrough. 699 00:38:07,218 --> 00:38:11,888 And if we don't see a breakthrough by August 17th, 700 00:38:11,889 --> 00:38:14,689 then we're going to have to consider what other tools we 701 00:38:14,692 --> 00:38:18,892 have to apply greater pressure on the parties. 702 00:38:20,364 --> 00:38:22,834 And that's something I think the parties will certainly 703 00:38:22,833 --> 00:38:23,903 hear from us. 704 00:38:23,901 --> 00:38:27,201 Our hope is that the message we deliver is similar to the 705 00:38:27,204 --> 00:38:31,644 message that they get from the IGAD countries and 706 00:38:31,642 --> 00:38:33,612 others who are interested in the issue. 707 00:38:34,812 --> 00:38:40,822 With respect to Iran, I won't give a grade to our 708 00:38:43,554 --> 00:38:44,584 lobbying efforts. 709 00:38:44,588 --> 00:38:49,558 In fact, I'm not even sure I'd characterize it as 710 00:38:49,560 --> 00:38:51,460 lobbying. 711 00:38:51,462 --> 00:38:55,202 What we're doing is presenting facts about an 712 00:38:55,199 --> 00:39:00,869 international agreement that 99 percent of the world 713 00:39:00,871 --> 00:39:06,781 thinks solves a vital problem in a way that will 714 00:39:06,777 --> 00:39:10,777 prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and does so 715 00:39:10,781 --> 00:39:11,781 diplomatically. 716 00:39:13,651 --> 00:39:18,961 And essentially what we've been seeing is Secretary of 717 00:39:18,956 --> 00:39:21,726 State John Kerry, Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz -- who 718 00:39:21,726 --> 00:39:28,436 is an expert on nuclear issues -- just providing the 719 00:39:28,432 --> 00:39:32,202 facts, laying out exactly what the deal is, explaining 720 00:39:32,203 --> 00:39:36,103 how it cuts off all the pathways for Iran to get a 721 00:39:36,107 --> 00:39:38,207 nuclear weapon; explaining how it puts in place 722 00:39:38,209 --> 00:39:42,779 unprecedented verification and inspection mechanisms; 723 00:39:42,780 --> 00:39:45,650 explaining how we have snapback provisions so that 724 00:39:45,649 --> 00:39:49,419 if they cheat, we immediately re-impose 725 00:39:49,420 --> 00:39:54,690 sanctions; explaining also how we will continue to 726 00:39:56,761 --> 00:40:01,531 address other aspects of Iranian behavior that are of 727 00:40:01,532 --> 00:40:05,072 deep concern to us and our allies -- like providing 728 00:40:05,069 --> 00:40:07,069 arms to terrorist organizations. 729 00:40:07,071 --> 00:40:13,281 So the good news, I guess, is that I have not yet heard 730 00:40:13,277 --> 00:40:16,447 a factual argument on the other side that holds up to 731 00:40:16,447 --> 00:40:18,447 scrutiny. 732 00:40:19,950 --> 00:40:24,690 There's a reason why 99 percent of the world thinks 733 00:40:24,688 --> 00:40:26,688 that this is a good deal -- it's because it's 734 00:40:26,690 --> 00:40:28,030 a good deal. 735 00:40:28,025 --> 00:40:31,725 There's a reason why the overwhelming majority of 736 00:40:31,729 --> 00:40:34,499 nuclear scientists and nonproliferation experts 737 00:40:34,498 --> 00:40:37,198 think it's a good deal -- it's because it's a 738 00:40:37,201 --> 00:40:38,201 good deal. 739 00:40:38,202 --> 00:40:41,302 It accomplishes our goal, which is making sure Iran 740 00:40:41,305 --> 00:40:43,575 does not have a nuclear weapon. 741 00:40:43,574 --> 00:40:46,874 In fact, it accomplishes that goal better than any 742 00:40:46,877 --> 00:40:48,877 alternative that has been suggested. 743 00:40:50,080 --> 00:40:53,050 And you've heard me, Darlene, stand up in front 744 00:40:53,050 --> 00:40:57,690 of the press corps and try to get a good argument on 745 00:40:57,688 --> 00:41:00,888 the other side that's based in fact as opposed to 746 00:41:00,891 --> 00:41:03,361 rhetoric. 747 00:41:03,360 --> 00:41:04,430 And I haven't gotten one yet. 748 00:41:04,428 --> 00:41:10,438 So if you're asking me, how do you think our argument is 749 00:41:13,103 --> 00:41:14,973 going, it's going great. 750 00:41:14,972 --> 00:41:17,872 Now, if you're asking me about the politics of 751 00:41:17,875 --> 00:41:24,715 Washington and the rhetoric that takes place there, that 752 00:41:24,715 --> 00:41:25,715 doesn't always go great. 753 00:41:28,919 --> 00:41:36,859 The particular comments of Mr. Huckabee are, I think, 754 00:41:36,861 --> 00:41:40,731 part of just a general pattern that we've seen that 755 00:41:40,731 --> 00:41:50,941 is -- would be considered ridiculous 756 00:41:50,941 --> 00:41:52,841 if it weren't so sad. 757 00:41:52,843 --> 00:41:54,583 We've had a sitting senator 758 00:41:54,578 --> 00:41:58,418 call John Kerry Pontius Pilate. 759 00:41:58,415 --> 00:42:02,315 We've had a sitting senator who also happens to be 760 00:42:02,319 --> 00:42:06,189 running for President suggest that I'm the leading 761 00:42:06,190 --> 00:42:09,730 state sponsor of terrorism. 762 00:42:09,727 --> 00:42:18,967 These are leaders in the Republican Party. 763 00:42:18,969 --> 00:42:24,139 And part of what historically has made 764 00:42:24,141 --> 00:42:26,381 America great is, particularly when it comes 765 00:42:26,377 --> 00:42:32,187 to foreign policy, there's been a recognition that 766 00:42:32,182 --> 00:42:35,482 these issues are too serious, that issues of war 767 00:42:35,486 --> 00:42:41,796 and peace are of such grave concern and consequence that 768 00:42:41,792 --> 00:42:44,232 we don't play fast and loose that way. 769 00:42:44,228 --> 00:42:47,068 We have robust debates, we look at the facts, there are 770 00:42:47,064 --> 00:42:51,504 going to be disagreements. 771 00:42:51,502 --> 00:42:57,512 But we just don't fling out ad hominem attacks like 772 00:42:57,508 --> 00:43:00,308 that, because it doesn't help inform 773 00:43:00,311 --> 00:43:01,811 the American people. 774 00:43:06,550 --> 00:43:09,120 I mean, this is a deal that has been endorsed by people 775 00:43:09,119 --> 00:43:17,199 like Brent Scowcroft and Sam Nunn -- right? 776 00:43:17,194 --> 00:43:22,934 -- historic Democratic and Republican leaders on arms 777 00:43:22,933 --> 00:43:28,843 control and on keeping America safe. 778 00:43:29,873 --> 00:43:33,813 And so when you get rhetoric like this, maybe it gets 779 00:43:33,811 --> 00:43:38,681 attention and maybe this is just an effort to push 780 00:43:38,682 --> 00:43:45,052 Mr. Trump out of the headlines, but it's not the 781 00:43:45,055 --> 00:43:47,425 kind of leadership that is needed for 782 00:43:47,424 --> 00:43:48,924 America right now. 783 00:43:48,926 --> 00:43:52,026 And I don't think that's what anybody -- Democratic, 784 00:43:52,029 --> 00:43:55,469 Republican, or independent -- is looking for out of 785 00:43:55,466 --> 00:43:56,696 their political leaders. 786 00:43:59,036 --> 00:44:01,306 In fact, it's been interesting when you look 787 00:44:01,305 --> 00:44:05,205 at what's happened with Mr. Trump, when he's made 788 00:44:05,209 --> 00:44:12,479 some of the remarks that, for example, challenged the 789 00:44:12,483 --> 00:44:16,623 heroism of Mr. McCain, somebody who endured torture 790 00:44:16,620 --> 00:44:24,260 and conducted himself with exemplary patriotism, the 791 00:44:24,261 --> 00:44:26,761 Republican Party is shocked. 792 00:44:29,233 --> 00:44:35,143 And yet, that arises out of a culture where those kinds 793 00:44:35,139 --> 00:44:38,139 of outrageous attacks have become far too commonplace 794 00:44:38,142 --> 00:44:43,582 and get circulated nonstop through the Internet 795 00:44:43,580 --> 00:44:46,120 and talk radio and news outlets. 796 00:44:48,352 --> 00:44:51,052 And I recognize when outrageous statements like 797 00:44:51,055 --> 00:44:54,655 that are made about me, that a lot of the same people who 798 00:44:54,658 --> 00:44:57,558 were outraged when they were made about Mr. McCain 799 00:44:57,561 --> 00:44:58,861 were pretty quiet. 800 00:44:59,797 --> 00:45:03,067 The point is we're creating a culture that is not 801 00:45:03,067 --> 00:45:09,877 conducive to good policy or good politics. 802 00:45:09,873 --> 00:45:11,373 The American people deserve better. 803 00:45:12,109 --> 00:45:15,979 Certainly, Presidential debates deserve better. 804 00:45:15,979 --> 00:45:18,879 In 18 months, I'm turning over the keys -- I want to 805 00:45:18,882 --> 00:45:21,782 make sure I'm turning over the keys to somebody who is 806 00:45:21,785 --> 00:45:24,725 serious about the serious problems the country faces 807 00:45:24,721 --> 00:45:26,721 and the world faces. 808 00:45:27,991 --> 00:45:32,631 And that requires on both sides, Democrat and 809 00:45:32,629 --> 00:45:43,209 Republican, a sense of seriousness and decorum 810 00:45:43,207 --> 00:45:47,977 and honesty. 811 00:45:47,978 --> 00:45:50,948 And I think that's what the voters expect, as well. 812 00:45:54,451 --> 00:45:57,121 Prime Minister Hailemariam: As regards to South Sudan, I 813 00:45:57,121 --> 00:46:00,161 cannot agree more with the President. 814 00:46:00,157 --> 00:46:05,227 But we should also recognize that this process has taken 815 00:46:05,229 --> 00:46:08,629 a long, long negotiation period. 816 00:46:08,632 --> 00:46:12,802 And, on the other hand, people are suffering on the 817 00:46:12,803 --> 00:46:17,043 ground, and we cannot let this go unchecked. 818 00:46:17,040 --> 00:46:21,480 And I think the meeting which we are making this 819 00:46:21,478 --> 00:46:25,418 afternoon has a strong signal and message that has 820 00:46:25,415 --> 00:46:31,585 to be passed to the parties in South Sudan to see that 821 00:46:31,588 --> 00:46:32,488 that they're 822 00:46:32,489 --> 00:46:33,189 (inaudible) 823 00:46:33,190 --> 00:46:33,960 first. 824 00:46:34,725 --> 00:46:37,795 So I think this is very much essential. 825 00:46:37,794 --> 00:46:42,734 And I fully recognize what the President has said, and 826 00:46:42,733 --> 00:46:44,303 we'll see how it happens. 827 00:46:45,435 --> 00:46:48,275 As far as Ethiopia is concerned, we need 828 00:46:48,272 --> 00:46:49,972 journalists. 829 00:46:49,973 --> 00:46:54,013 We need more of them and quality of them, because we 830 00:46:54,011 --> 00:46:57,811 have not only bad stories to be told, but we have many 831 00:46:57,814 --> 00:47:00,714 success stories that has to be told. 832 00:47:00,717 --> 00:47:03,387 And so we need you. 833 00:47:03,387 --> 00:47:05,257 This is very important. 834 00:47:05,255 --> 00:47:08,355 But we need ethical journalism to function in 835 00:47:08,358 --> 00:47:09,358 this country. 836 00:47:09,693 --> 00:47:12,463 And there is limitation capacity in all aspects of 837 00:47:12,462 --> 00:47:16,362 our works, there is also capacity limitations in 838 00:47:16,366 --> 00:47:20,106 journalism and that way. 839 00:47:20,103 --> 00:47:23,203 Maybe those of you who are in developed nations, you 840 00:47:23,207 --> 00:47:27,847 can help our journalists -- domestic journalists -- to 841 00:47:27,844 --> 00:47:32,584 increase their capacity to work on ethical manner. 842 00:47:32,583 --> 00:47:37,593 But the only thing as a leader of this nation we do 843 00:47:37,588 --> 00:47:40,958 not want to see is journalism has to be 844 00:47:40,958 --> 00:47:46,968 respected when it doesn't pass the line; that working 845 00:47:49,967 --> 00:47:53,507 with violent terrorist groups is not allowed -- 846 00:47:53,503 --> 00:47:55,543 even in the United States. 847 00:47:55,539 --> 00:48:00,909 And we need civilized journalism as a culture and 848 00:48:00,911 --> 00:48:01,911 as a profession. 849 00:48:02,412 --> 00:48:07,082 So I think my government is committed to this issue, 850 00:48:07,084 --> 00:48:11,384 that we need many young journalists to come up and 851 00:48:11,388 --> 00:48:15,058 help this country to understand what's going on. 852 00:48:15,058 --> 00:48:20,998 And for us, it's very important to be criticized 853 00:48:20,998 --> 00:48:22,098 because we also get feedback to correct our mistakes 854 00:48:22,099 --> 00:48:23,599 and limitations. 855 00:48:23,600 --> 00:48:25,470 So we need journalists. 856 00:48:25,469 --> 00:48:27,169 And I think this is our view. 857 00:48:27,170 --> 00:48:30,840 And rest assured that we'll continue to do so, because 858 00:48:30,841 --> 00:48:34,011 the media is one of the institutions that has to be 859 00:48:34,011 --> 00:48:37,111 nurtured for democratic discourse. 860 00:48:37,114 --> 00:48:41,314 And so that's why we agree that institutional 861 00:48:41,318 --> 00:48:44,088 capacity-building in all aspects of democracy in this 862 00:48:44,087 --> 00:48:45,127 country is essential. 863 00:48:48,191 --> 00:48:50,161 President Obama: Thank you very much.