U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday hosted President
Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders to a working lunch on the sidelines
of the 72nd UN General Assembly in New York.
Mr. Trump, who said he was greatly honoured to host the
lunch, which took place at the New York Palace Hotel, described 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.
“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, health-care, travel, and tourism
– will further transform lives throughout the continent.”
He said “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.”
The U.S. leader said he was eager to closely know more
African leaders! noting that “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.”
Mr. Trump pledged that the U.S. would partner with African
countries and organisations, like the African Union, leading successful efforts
to end violence to prevent the spread of terrorism, and to respond to
humanitarian crises.
“I commend your troops currently serving in the field. Very
brave. Very, very brave what they’re going through. But we cannot have
prosperity if we’re not healthy.
Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
No comments: