‘US values its relationship with Nigeria,’ Trump tells President

(Endowed Blogs.)

US President, Donald Trump has said that the country values its relationship with Nigeria.

Trump also expressed interest in working with President Muhammadu Buhari to expand the strong partnership. 

The US president made the comments during a phone conversation with Buhari on Monday, February 13, a readout from the White House reveals.

“President Donald J. Trump spoke this week with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to discuss the strong cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, including on shared security, economic, and governance priorities,” the readout states.

“President Trump underscored the importance the United States places on its relationship with Nigeria, and he expressed interest in working with President Buhari to expand the strong partnership. 

“The leaders agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and worldwide.  President Trump expressed support for the sale of aircraft from the United States to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram. 

“President Trump thanked President Buhari for the leadership he has exercised in the region and emphasized the importance of a strong, secure, and prosperous Nigeria that continues to lead in the region and in international forums,” it adds.

Buhari spokesman, Femi Adesina, in a statement released on Monday, said that the two leaders discussed ways to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism through provision of necessary equipment.

Adesina also said that President Trump invited President Buhari to Washington at a mutually convenient date.

Trump also spoke with South African President, Jacob Zuma on Monday.

A statement by Zuma’s office said that he and Trump discussed ways to strengthen “the already strong bilateral relations between the two countries” and “the quest for peace and stability on the African continent.”

The phone calls were earlier confirmed by White House Press Secretary and Communications Director, Sean Michael Spicer during a press briefing on Tuesday, February 14.

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Trump’s conversations with Buhari and Zuma are his first with African leaders since his inauguration on January 20.