Washington, DC - Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Heather Higginbottom will travel to Madagascar and Kenya, April 25–May 1.

Deputy Secretary Higginbottom is among the most senior U.S. State Department officials to visit Madagascar. As the country returns to democracy, her visit underscores the support of the U.S. Government for the Malagasy people. During the visit, she will discuss governance, including transparency and accountability, development and economic growth, and the preservation of Madagascar’s unique environment. She will meet with President Rajaonarimampianina and other government officials as well as visit U.S. foreign assistance programs related to health, community development, and wildlife protection.

In Kenya, Deputy Secretary Higginbottom will participate in the Giants Club Summit, a high-level meeting of heads of state, business leaders, and wildlife experts to discuss ways to protect Africa’s remaining elephant populations and their environments. Her visit underscores the U.S. Government’s support for Kenyan and continent-wide efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. Following the summit, Deputy Secretary Higginbottom will witness the largest ivory burn in history, an event intended to send a message to the world that ivory’s only worth is as attached to a living animal. In addition, she will meet with government officials and others to discuss sustainable development, the protection of refugees, and wildlife conservation and trafficking. She will meet with refugees and review processing and security vetting for those who have been referred for resettlement in the United States.