President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday arrived Washington for the US-African Leaders summit on trade, investment, peace, security and good governance.
He was received at the Andrews Air Force Base by the U.S. Assistant Chief of Protocol, Gladys Boluda, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle.
The President was accompanied on the trip by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Sen. Philip Aduda, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Aminu Wali, Minister of Youth Development, Mr Boni Haruna and Chairman of FERMA, Mr Ezekiel Adeniji
Also on the entourage were Ambassador Aminu Wali, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, among others.
The President later on Sunday evening hosted a dinner for media executives.
Prior to the summit on Tuesday, the President is expected to meet with Senator Robert Menendez, Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Representatives Ed’ Royce, Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Gen. Stanley McChrystal, to discuss funding for the Nigeria Security Forces in the fight against Boko Haram.
He would also have audience with the CEO of Cantor Fitzgsal and Co., Mr Shawn Mathews and Ambassador Andrew Young.
Dr Reuben Abati Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity said the visit would help to deepen Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S. both in bilateral and trade relations.
Briefing newsmen shortly after arrival, Abati said the visit would also provide opportunity for Jonathan to interact with other African leaders.
