United States: Joe Biden announces “historic” donation for poor countries

Joe Biden announced on Monday a “historic” contribution of four billion dollars (3.5 billion francs) from the United States to a World Bank fund which supports the poorest countries, before Donald Trump’s return to power , determined to slash public spending.

The outgoing US president pledged the sum to the International Development Association (IDA) on the first day of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, his last meeting with the world’s top leaders before leaving the White House in January.

According to a senior American official, this is a contribution of “four billion dollars over three years”, which does not commit the future government of Donald Trump. But he noted that Republicans, when in power in the past, also supported bailouts of the fund.

“Historical” help

Jon Finer, the Democratic president’s deputy national security adviser, spoke of “historic” aid, assuring that Joe Biden would call on “other leaders to increase their own contribution.”

The IDA is an arm of the World Bank that helps the poorest countries on the planet. It grants loans and donations intended for programs against inequalities or in favor of the fight against global warming.

Joe Biden is touring Latin America during which he hopes to highlight his international record before Donald Trump returns. On Sunday he was the first American president to visit the Amazon, where he defended his environmental policies.

“Latest news”

Want to stay on top of the news? “24 Heures” offers you two appointments per day, directly in your email box. So you don’t miss anything that’s happening in your Canton, in Switzerland or around the world.

Other newsletters

Log in

AFP

Did you find an error? Please report it to us.

2 comments