Bush embarks on Africa trip

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush left here Friday afternoon, embarking on a five-nation tour of Africa, his second visit to the continent since he took office in 2001.

According to the itinerary released by the White House, Bush and his wife Laura will land in Benin Saturday to begin the trip. After a brief stop, he then heads to Tanzania.

The week-long trip will also bring Bush to Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia.

During his visit, Bush is expected to visit hospitals, schools, AIDS and malaria projects.

In Tanzania, he will sign the biggest ever grant of 698 million U.S. dollars to fund water, energy and infrastructure.

Previously, Bush administration officials said the trip is aimed to show the caring side of the U.S. policy towards Africa.

"The trip will be an opportunity to demonstrate America's commitment to the people of these countries and to Africa as a whole," White House National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley told reporters Thursday.

Analysts said the trip focused on a number of strategic issues and all the countries on his itinerary are related to U.S. strategic interests.

Geopolitical interests will also play a role in the trip, including the newly-formed U.S. Africa command (AFRICOM).

Before his arrival, the trip was met by protests in Tanzania and Rwanda.

Protesters said the president's visit is for his own benefits instead of caring about the people there.

Bush last visited Africa in 2003.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush's current African tour may reveal Washington's calculations about its long-term strategic interests in the continent, analysts say.

Bush arrived in Benin on Saturday, the first leg of his week-long five-nation African tour which also includes Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia. Full story

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said here on Friday U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Africa is "very important" while urging him to make more effort to help eradicate hunger and disease on the continent.

Speaking to reporters after talks with Bush at the White House, Ban said he hoped that Bush is able to "discuss with African leaders how to realize these Millennium Development Goals, how to help people overcome abject poverty."