"I am making this trip to Africa because Washington is an international city, just like Tokyo, Nigeria or Israel. As mayor, I am an international symbol. Can you deny that to Africa?"

Marion Berry is highlighting the relevance of international connections as well as the role of a mayor in representing their city. He is making a journey to Africa to demonstrate the value of international ties and to show that Washington is a global city, much like Tokyo, Nigeria, or Israel. He is additionally implying that as mayor, he is a global sign which it is necessary to prolong his reach to Africa. By making this journey, he is revealing that Washington is a city that values global relations and also is willing to invest in them. He is likewise testing the target market to deny the importance of his trip to Africa, which is an effective statement. Overall, Marion Berry is highlighting the significance of worldwide relations as well as the role of a mayor in representing their city.