In an October 4, 1977 address to African officials at the United Nations, Carter stated the United States's interest to "see a strong and prosperous Africa with as much of the control of government as possible in the hands of the residents of your countries". At a news conference later that month, Carter outlined the United States wanting "to work with South Africa in dealing with the threats to peace in Namibia and in Zimbabwe" and to end racial issues such as apartheid.