Jonathan, Obama to hold talks on regional, global developments

Jonathan, Obama to hold talks on regional, global developments
Hauwa Noroh Ali, Abuja

Nigeria’s President is scheduled to meet with the US President, Barack Obama on June 8 to discuss latest "regional and global developments" and their nations' "strong partnership."

An official statement from the White House stated this on Saturday.

President Jonathan is also scheduled to participate in the high-level meeting/summit on HIV/AIDS and the impact of the pandemic on international peace and security in New York from June 8 to June 10.

At least 12 foreign leaders, mostly from Africa, have confirmed their participation at the summit.

Itinerary

A statement on the itinerary of Jonathan said that he would take a break from the summit and head for Washington for the meeting with Obama before returning to New York same day.

According to the statement, while in New York, Jonathan would participate in the launching of the Global Plan for Elimination of HIV Mother-To-Child Transmission project with former US President Bill Clinton on June 9.

He is also expected to participate in one of the Security Council’s sessions that may decide on a second term for the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

Nigeria is currently one of the nine non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Jonathan is expected back home on June 10

Expanding relations

The White House statement also says Obama will, on Thursday, meet with Gabon's President, Ali Bongo, who is heading the United Nations Security Council for June, to "advance" the partnership between their two countries on a range of critical regional and global issues.

The statement further said that Obama’s wife,Michelle Obama and daughters would also pay a visit to Africa later this month.

The White House had, last week, announced that the first lady would visit Botswana and South Africa from June 21-26 to promote youth leadership, education, health and wellness.

Her two young daughters and her mother will accompany the first lady.

The statement said the trip was part of the Obama administration's effort to expand ties with African nations "based on mutual respect, mutual responsibility and shared interests.”

Williams