The Information Office of the Embassy of United States (U.S), in Abuja said, on Friday, that the Secretary of State, John Kerry, ‘is expected in Nigeria on Aug. 23’.
According to a statement by the office, the visiting Secretary would meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and Northern Governors to discuss U.S. co-operation with Nigeria regarding Boko Haram, economy and human rights issues.
It said that, “The Secretary will travel to Sokoto and Abuja on Aug. 23 to 24.
“Kerry will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss counter terrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption and human rights issues.
“In Sokoto, he will deliver a speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.
“In Abuja, the Secretary will meet with a group of adolescent girls working to change community perceptions that devalue the role of girls in society.
“He will also meet with northern governors and religious leaders”.
The statement further said that Kerry would travel to Nairobi earlier on Aug. 22 to meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss regional security issues and counter terrorism co-operation, as well as bilateral issues.
The secretary is also expected to meet with Kenyan Foreign Minister, Amina Mohamed, and other regional foreign ministers to discuss key challenges in East Africa.
The statement listed key issues in East Africa to include: the prospects for resumption of a political process in South Sudan and support to Somalia’s political transition and ongoing fight against al-Shabaab.
During the visit, the secretary would also meet with participants of the Young African Leaders Initiative and the Mandela Washington Fellows programmes.
Kerry’s other engagements would include: travel to Jeddah from Aug. 24 to 25 for a series of meetings with senior Saudi leaders; meeting with his counterparts from the Gulf Co-operation Council, the UK and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen.
The secretary’s discussion is billed to focus on the ongoing conflict in Yemen and efforts to restore peace and stability as well as the region’s most pressing challenges, including Syria and our global effort to counter Da’esh and violent extremism.
