The Minister of Information and
Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that the invitation extended to
President Muhammadu Buhari by U.S. President, Donald Trump was a proof of the
cordial relationship between the two countries.
Mohammed said this in New York during his engagements with media
and a couple of think-tank in the U.S.
The Minister is in the U.S. to showcase some of the achievements
of the Buhari’s administration to the U.S. and the world.
He said, “I think it would be presumptuous to really know or say
what he (Trump) is going to discuss with Mr President (Buhari).
“But clearly, that he (Buhari) is being invited by President Trump
shows the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria and I think it
portends well for both countries.”
Trump is due to host Buhari on Monday, April 30, at the White
House to discuss issues including “fighting terrorism” and economic growth.
“President Trump looks forward to discussing ways to enhance our
strategic partnership and advance our shared priorities: promoting economic
growth and reforms, fighting terrorism and other threats to peace and security,
and building on Nigeria’s role as a democratic leader in the region.
“The relationship of the United States with Nigeria is deep and
strong, and Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and leadership in Africa will
advance our mutual prosperity,” the White House had said.
Buhari would be the first African leader that Trump would host at
the White House since his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017. Recall that the
Nigerian president was the first African leader Trump called on phone following
his inauguration as the U.S. president.
Diplomatic experts said the developments have only reaffirmed the
strategic importance of the Nigeria-U.S bilateral relations and Nigeria’s
strategic position in Africa.
Also recall that former U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson
visited Nigeria in February in a first five-country African tour embarked upon
by any official of the administration.
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