Equatorial Guinea – United States
relations
Equatorial Guinea-United States relations
Equatorial Guinea
United States
Equatorial Guinea-United States rela-
tions are bilateral relations between Equat-
orial Guinea and the United States.
History
The Equatoguinean Government views the
U.S. Government and American companies
favorably. The United States is the largest
single foreign investor in Equatorial Guinea.
U.S. companies have the largest and most
visible foreign presence in the country. In an
effort to attract increased U.S. investment,
American passport-holders are entitled to
visa-free entry for short visits. The United
States is the only country with this privilege.
With the increased U.S. investment presence,
relations between the U.S. and the Govern-
ment of Equatorial Guinea have been charac-
terized
by
a
positive,
constructive
relationship.
Equatorial Guinea maintains an embassy
in Washington, D.C., and has received ap-
proval for a consulate in Houston, Texas.
President Obiang has worked to cultivate the
Equatorial Guinea-U.S. relationship with reg-
ular visits to the U.S. for meetings with seni-
or government and business leaders.
The 2005 U.S. State Department Human
Rights report on Equatorial Guinea cited
shortcomings in basic human rights, political
freedom, and labor rights. Equatorial Guinea
attributes deficiencies to excessive zeal on
the part of local authorities and promises bet-
ter control and sensitization. U.S. Govern-
ment policy involves constructive engage-
ment with Equatorial Guinea to encourage an
improvement in the human rights situation
and positive use of petroleum funds directed
toward the development of a working civil so-
ciety. Equatoguineans visit the U.S. under
programs sponsored by the U.S. Government,
American oil companies, and educational in-
stitutions. The Ambassador’s Self-Help Fund
annually finances a number of small grass-
roots projects.
Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Washington,
D.C.
In view of growing ties between U.S. com-
panies and Equatorial Guinea,
the U.S.