President Donald Trump has been increasingly chatting with other world leaders during his first weeks in office. On Monday he turned his attention to Africa.
Trump spent Monday morning calling two of the continent’s most prominent leaders, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and South African President Jacob Zuma, to discuss combating terrorism, trade relations and other issues.
Africa-Online had earlier today reported that Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari was scheduled to have a phone conversation with President Donald Trump today; Donald Trump to Speak with Nigerian, South African Presidents
Twitter from Garba Shehu – Official Spokesperson to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President @MBuhari.(SSA, Media & Publicity)
President @MBuhari this afternoon from London spoke to President @realDonaldTrump on telephone at the request of the American President.
— Garba Shehu 🇳🇬 (@GarShehu) February 13, 2017
Press release from the office of Nigerian President:
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and President Donald Trump of U.S.A had the scheduled telephone discussion. The first between the US president and an African leader since his inauguration on Jan 20, 2017.
Buhari, who is currently in the UK on an extended leave congratulated the American president on his victory at the polls. Trump, in turn, commended him on his fight against terrorism.
In a statement released by Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the telephone conversation was cordial.
Both presidents discussed ways of improving their cooperation in their fight against terrorism, especially in the area of weaponry.
According to Adesina, “Trump assured the Nigerian president of the US readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria in terms of military weapons to combat terrorism.
“Trump also invited Buhari to Washington at a mutually convenient date,” he added.
FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
February 13, 2017.
