U.S Secretary of State John Kerry has called for deepening partnerships with African countries.
The comment comes as Kerry is addressing the first official event of this year's U.S-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington.
"This is a moment of amazing opportunity for Africa. And I think that's what brings all of you here. That's why we've brought together leaders from 50 countries across Africa for this historic summit. It's also why we're determined to deepen our partnerships, and to deliver on remarkable opportunities for peace, for security, for economic growth."
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also addressed the meeting, the day before President Barack Obama is to meet the African leaders.
Nearly 50 African leaders are attending the three-day event.
But the presidents of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone have cancelled their plans to attend amid an Ebola outbreak.
The disease has killed over 800 people across West Africa.
The summit will be focusing on trade and business with Africa.
