By Callistus Ewelike

Washington D.C – One of the goals of the meeting with African leaders in Washington on Monday, set up at the behest of President Barack Obama, who incidentally turned 53 today (August 4), is to discuss support for multinational African forces like the AU, which are “strong partners” that have “pretty effective security forces.”

This becomes necessary in saving the US military money and helping keep Americans “safe over the long term,” according to the United States President.

Pres. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on arrival in Washington DC on Sunday, Aug 3, for the US-Africa Summit

President Goodluck Jonathan arrived Washington on Sunday for the summit, a first-of-its-kind meeting, which apart from providing a forum to “talk to Africa about security issues” will also focus on good governance, trade and investment among African leaders.

The Nigerian president 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.

Pres. Jonathan 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 Amb. 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 is expected to meet with Sen. Robert Menendez, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rep Ed’ Royce, Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committee, 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 Amb. 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.

On Sunday shortly evening, after arrival, President Jonathan hosted a dinner for Media executives in the United States capital.

It would be recalled that Jonathan recently set up the Victims’ Support Fund headed by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, as part of solutions to the problems created by the Boko Haram insurgency in the recent past, to provide more relief and succour for those who have been adversely affected by terrorism.

Donations towards President Jonathan’s terrorism Victim Support Fund following a dinner held at the State House in Abuja on Friday, August 1, grossed N58.70 billion, which media spokesman Reuben Abati said was beyond the expected sum.