Bush pledges millions for Tanzanian aid

DODOMA, Tanzania, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Sunday pledged $698 million in global development funds to Tanzania during a stop on his five-nation African tour.

Bush traveled to Africa to highlight U.S. efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other health and economic initiatives.

Bush told Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete he asked the U.S. Congress to double the amount of money going to HIV/AIDS initiatives in Africa.

The leaders, in the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma, signed a compact on the Millennium Challenge Account meant to support the infrastructure of developing nations.

"We thank U.S. government for agreeing with us to give the infrastructure sector the priority it deserves," Kikwete told a joint news conference.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to travel to Kenya Tuesday, the same day Bush travels to Rwanda.