Tillerson Says Chad Has Made Progress Toward Normalizing U.S. Ties
- Chad key ally in fight against Islamic State, Tillerson says
- Chad visit lasts a few hours after Tillerson trip shortened
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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Chad has acted to “normalize” its relationship with the U.S. after it was included on a visa-ban list, in a visit designed to show that Washington values President Idriss Deby’s government as an “important partner” in the fight against Islamic State.
Tillerson, the highest-ranking U.S. official ever to visit Chad, made the comments in the capital, N’Djamena, on the final day of a five-nation African tour. Upon arrival, he went straight into a meeting with Deby, whom he negotiated with for a major oil contract during his 40-year career with Exxon Mobil Corp.