TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the belief  that his visit to President Barack Obama will strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United States of America.

According to Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, the president said this on Wednesday during a meeting with Anthony Blinken, the US deputy secretary of state, at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Adesina quoted Buhari as saying his talks with Obama would also give impetus to his administration’s efforts to overcome the challenge of insurgency.

“He said he was also looking forward to greater support from the US for the multinational joint task force being mobilised against Boko Haram,” the statement read.

“Buhari said Nigeria and other gulf of Guinea nations will also welcome more cooperation from the US to enhance maritime security in the gulf and curb crude oil theft.”

On behalf Obama, Blinken reportedly commiserated with Buhari and all Nigerians on the recent loss of lives in renewed Boko Haram attacks.

Blinken said he was convinced that Buhari’s election will expand the frontiers of the existing relationship between Nigeria and the US.

He assured Buhari that the US government will be ready to discuss all matters put forward by the Nigerian government during the President’s visit to Washington DC.

Buhari will be visiting the US on July 20, courtesy an invitation from his American counterpart.