WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, November 12, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
President Obama spoke by phone today with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to discuss the upcoming climate change negotiations and the situation in Burundi. President Obama underscored the interest of the United States in reaching an ambitious and durable climate agreement in Paris that incentivizes strong action by all countries. He also expressed his deep concern about the situation in Burundi and asked President Zuma to continue to work with other regional actors to call for calm and press for a dialogue that can bring about a long-term solution to the crisis. In addition, the two discussed the President’s notification to Congress last week regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and the President emphasized his hope that outstanding issues are resolved quickly so that South Africa continues to benefit from AGOA fully. Finally, the President expressed his condolences for the death of a South African citizen in the attack in Jordan on Monday.
