Special Envoy for the Sahel Region Ambassador J. Peter Pham Travel to Burkina Faso
![Burkina Faso [shutterstock]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Burkina-Faso-e1555940515119-2500x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
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International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
December 11, 2020
November 24, 2020
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Burkina Faso Relations
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso in 1960, following its independence from France. In addition to regional peace and stability, U.S. interests in Burkina Faso are to promote continued democratization and greater respect for human rights, and to encourage sustainable economic development. Countering terrorism and strengthening border security are of growing importance in Burkina Faso. The U.S. and Burkina Faso engage in a number of military training and exchange programs, including in counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance.
U.S. Assistance to Burkina Faso
U.S. development assistance to Burkina Faso focuses on increasing food security; improving education; strengthening malaria control; family planning reproductive health services; and addressing threats of meningitis, influenza, and other communicable diseases. Burkina Faso was named a focus country for the President’s Malaria Initiative. U.S. assistance also aims to increase production of high-potential agricultural zones, enhance access to markets, and increase investment in land and rural productivity.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Burkina Faso is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Burkina Faso include machinery, vehicles, and rice. The top U.S. import from Burkina Faso is gold. Investment possibilities include Burkina Faso's energy, mining and communications sectors. The U.S. has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Burkina Faso is a member.
![Burkina Faso Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance, and yellow represents the country's mineral wealth. Note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/uv-lgflag.gif){kind=small}