DAR ES SALAAM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday told Africa to stand up on its own feet for the benefit of its peoples.
"Africa should build Africa for Africans," Obama said when addressing a joint press conference with his host Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete at State House in Dar es Salaam.
He said what the United States was doing was to help Africa to build itself, "Africans have to play their part."
Speaking on the last leg of his three African nation tour of Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania, Obama reiterated his country's continued support to Tanzania.
"This is my first visit to Tanzania... and I have special connection with this country. My father is from the East African region," said Obama in reference to his father, a Kenyan born in Kisumu.
"Habari zenu," Obama greeted journalists attending the news conference, saying he was impressed by the way Tanzania continued to strengthen democracy, transparency, parliament and opposition politics.
He said he was also optimistic that the ongoing constitutional review process will determine the future of Tanzania.
Obama pledged handsome financial support towards the fight against the alarming poaching and wildlife trafficking, saying his country has committed a few additional millions of dollars towards the fight against poaching in Africa.
He said efforts should be done collectively to ensure protection of wildlife for future generations.
On his part, Kikwete thanked the United States for supporting Tanzania through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in the areas of infrastructure development such as roads, education, water and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Under the MCC support, he said, Tanzania has been able to reduce HIV/AIDS infections by 50 percent, adding that the support has also resulted in reducing malaria and child mortality cases.
Kikwete said Obama's and visit by former U.S. President George W. Bush were very significant to Tanzania.
China's weekly story (2013 6.22-6.28)
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