The United States Congratulates São Tomé and Príncipe on Elections
![Sao Tome and Principe [shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Sao-Tome-e1555938909116-2500x1406.jpg)
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April 15, 2021
U.S. Relations With Sao Tome and Principe
Highlights
September 27, 2022
July 12, 2022
July 12, 2021
U.S. Relationship
- U.S.-Sao Tome and Principe Relations
- U.S. Assistance to Sao Tome and Principe
- Bilateral Economic Relations
U.S.-Sao Tome and Principe Relations
The United States established diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe in 1976, following its independence from Portugal. U.S. relations with São Tomé and Príncipe are excellent. The two countries share a commitment to democracy and good governance. The Voice of America broadcasts to much of Africa from a relay transmitter station in Sao Tome.
U.S. Assistance to Sao Tome and Principe
U.S. foreign assistance to São Tomé and Príncipe is focused on improving the professionalism and capacity of the country’s small military and coast guard and enhancing its maritime security efforts. Situated in the oil-rich, strategically significant Gulf of Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe is a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), which is the focus of an increasing number of regional security initiatives. São Tomé and Príncipe has been an active player in ECCAS’s Zone D maritime security exercises, and a participant in the U.S. Navy’s Africa Partnership Station ship visits to Gulf of Guinea countries.
Bilateral Economic Relations
U.S. exports to São Tomé and Príncipe include vehicles, electrical machinery, aircraft, and iron and steel products, while its imports from São Tomé and Príncipe include cocoa and furniture and bedding. São Tomé and Príncipe is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The two countries do not have a bilateral investment treaty or taxation treaty.
![Sao Tome and Principe Flag: three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; green stands for the country's rich vegetation, red recalls the struggle for independence, and yellow represents cocoa, one of the country's main agricultural products; the two stars symbolize the two main islands note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/tp-lgflag.gif){kind=small}