"Equatorial Guinea is growing terrifically fast. The fastest [growing country in 2006] was Equatorial Guinea, which averaged annual growth between 1995 and 2005 of 20 percent a year.”

-- Eric Swanson, head of the Global Data Program, The World Bank

"The government of the United States recognizes and applauds the commitment of the government of Equatorial Guinea to this initiative [new Social Development Fund] that benefits the people of Equatorial Guinea. This is a concrete demonstration of the government's commitment to using its new-found wealth to improve the lives of its citizens."

-- U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, R. Niels Marquardt, 7/7/2005

"And as I said to [President Obiang], I hope we can help you set a gold standard of how a country manages its oil revenue and lets its people know what's happening to them. I think it's [working with Equatorial Guinea] a terrific opportunity and I was very impressed with his leadership and his government's leadership."

-- World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, 6/23/05