Buhari says visit to Washington will strengthen Nigeria, U.S. relations

Mr President expressed this hope at a meeting with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr Anthony Blinken.

According to Buhari, his talks with Obama would also give much needed impetus to his administration’s efforts to overcome the challenge of terrorism.

The president said Nigeria also looked forward to greater support from the U.S. for the multinational Joint Task Force being mobilised against Boko Haram.

Buhari said that Nigeria and other Gulf of Guinea states would welcome more cooperation from the U.S. to enhance maritime security in the Gulf and curb crude oil theft.

On behalf of Obama, the envoy commiserated with Buhari and Nigerians on the recent loss of lives in terrorist attacks.

Blinken said that he was convinced that Buhari’s election would further expand the frontiers of the existing relationship between Nigeria and the U.S.

He assured the president that the U.S. would be ready to discuss all matters put forward by Nigeria during his visit to Washington DC. (NAN)