U.S. President Barack Obama is set to meet with two African leaders next week, while his wife and daughters prepare to travel to the continent later this month.
The White House announced Saturday that Obama will meet newly sworn-in Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday. The statement said the two leaders will discuss the latest "regional and global developments" and their nations' "strong partnership."
On Thursday, Obama will meet with Gabon's President Ali Bongo, who is heading the United Nations Security Council for June. It said Obama and Bongo will "advance" the partnership between their two countries on a range of critical regional and global issues.
Earlier this week, the White House announced that first lady Michelle Obama will 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 is part of the Obama administration's effort to expand ties with African nations "based upon mutual respect, mutual responsibility and shared interests." Voice of America