Buhari to visit Washington later this month after Trump invites him to discuss security and economy

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is to visit Washington on April 30 after being invited for a bilateral summit by US president Donald Trump where they will discuss burning contemporary  issues including fighting terrorism and economic growth.

Last year, President Buhari was the first African leader President Trump called on the phone following his inauguration as the US president. Diplomatic experts said President Buhari, being the first African leader called by President Trump only reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa.

A White House spokesman said: “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 will be discussed.

“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 statement read in part. Former US secretary of state Rex Tillerson also visited Nigeria in February in the first ever  five-country African tour embarked upon by any official of the administration.