Kagame, Trump Talk U.S – Africa Relations at Davos Meet

U.S President Donald Trump today met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Davos and discussed issues of interest to the African Union as a whole, including peace, security and counter-terrorism.

Trump met Kagame as Chairman of the African Union (AU) on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, Switzerland.

“Had very good bilateral meeting with Donald Trump and also agreed to the importance of US – Africa relations and cooperation,” President Kagame said on twitter.

President Kagame and President Trump reviewed bilateral relations, discussed Africa trade, and African Union reforms.

President Kagame observed that many of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa, and commended President Trump for the United States’ attention to the importance of economic development on the continent, according to a statement by Rwanda government.

“The two leaders reaffirmed the pre-eminence of mutual understanding and agreed to work together to identify further ways to enhance strategic partnerships,” the statement said.

Today is the last day of the World Economic Forum which pools together global political leaders, business people and economists from around the world.

Other African leaders present include Somali Prime Minister, South Africa’s Deputy President and Zimbabwe’s new leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Trump’s meeting with AU head comes amid criticism against Mr Trump who alleged described African countries as “shitholes” at a closed door meeting to discuss immigration policy – an allegation he denied.

The African Union has called on Trump to apologise for his “contemptuous remarks.”

But President Trump on Friday, ignored questions from reporters about the president’s reference to nations on the continent as “shithole countries” in a closed-door meeting this month.

On Tuesday, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni said in speech that he “loves” for US President Donald Trump for his frankness.

“America has got one of the best presidents ever,” Mr Museveni said during the opening of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

“I love Trump because he tells Africans frankly. The Africans need to solve their problems, the Africans are weak,” Museveni said as he emphasized the need for integration and prosperity of the African people in order for the continent to compete favourably with the rest of the world.