UNGA: ‘You’ve done a terrific job’, Trump tells Buhari, other African leaders

United States President Donald Trump Wednesday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders of other African countries for a job well done as he hosted them to a working lunch on the sidelines of the 72nd UN General Assembly in New York.

The gathering was held at the New York Palace Hotel, and also had in attendance top government officials from Trump’s cabinet, as well as from different African countries.

Trump said he was greatly honoured to host the lunch and described the African leaders as “partners for promoting prosperity and peace”.

“I’m greatly honoured to be joined by leaders of Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda and South Africa. In particular, I want to thank President Condé, who is representing the African Union”, he said.

“In this room, I see partners for promoting prosperity and peace on a range of economic, humanitarian and security issues.

Read also: Africa has changed, ‘Don’t be lazy..find the real story for yourself’, Dangote tells investors

“We hope to extend our economic partnerships with countries who are committed to self-reliance and to fostering opportunities for job creation in both Africa and the United States.

“Africa has tremendous business potential. I have so many friends going to your countries, trying to get rich. I congratulate you.

“They’re spending a lot of money. But it does – it has tremendous business potential and representing huge amounts of different markets. And for American firms it’s really become a place that they have to go – that they want to go.

“Six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies are in Africa. Increasing American trade and investment across diverse industries – including agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare, travel, and tourism – will further transform lives throughout the continent”, the American president stated.

He added, “Africa, I have to say, is a continent of tremendous potential. The outlook is bright. I look forward to hearing from you and your advice during the meal”.

Trump said he was eager to know more African leaders closely, saying, “I really want to congratulate you – growing very fast economically and in every other way. You’ve done a terrific job, you’ve had some tremendous obstacles placed in your path, but you have done really an absolutely incredible job.”

The US president pledged that his country would partner with African countries and organisations, like the African Union, in leading successful efforts to end violence, prevent the spread of terrorism, as well as respond to humanitarian crises.

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now