State Department Launches Quick-Response Force Training and Competition in Senegal
![Senegal [shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Senegal-e1555938871910-2500x1406.jpg)
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U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Senegal Relations
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Senegal in 1960, following its independence from France and the dissolution of the Mali Federation. Senegal is a partner of the U.S. in promoting peace and security in Africa. The country shares many fundamental values and international goals with the U.S., and it has set an example of democratic rule as well as ethnic and religious tolerance. Senegal also has contributed to regional peacekeeping operations. The main challenge Senegal faces is accelerating economic growth in order to create more opportunity for young people, who are the majority of the population.
U.S. Assistance to Senegal
U.S. assistance seeks to support increased agricultural productivity, improved health care and infrastructure, reforming the energy sector, and better basic education. Bilateral military cooperation bolsters the professionalism and capacity of the Senegalese Armed Forces.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Senegal is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The top three U.S. exports to Senegal are motor vehicles, petroleum products, and second-hand clothing. Principal U.S. imports from Senegal are wigs, zirconium and titanium ores, and seafood. The two countries have signed a bilateral investment treaty. The U.S. also has a trade and investment framework agreement with the Economic Community of West African States, of which Senegal is a member.
![Senegal Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; green represents Islam, progress, and hope; yellow signifies natural wealth and progress; red symbolizes sacrifice and determination; the star denotes unity and hope note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Mali and the reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sg-lgflag.gif){kind=small}