Rwandan President Paul Kagame shakes hands with US President Donald
Trump during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic
Forum on January 26, 2018 in Davos, eastern Switzerland. PHOTO | AFP
US President Donald Trump on Friday asked the African Union
chairman to pass on his "warmest regards" to other regional leaders at a
summit this weekend, after sparking outrage with a reported slur
against Africans.
The outspoken US leader congratulated
Rwandan President Paul Kagame on taking over as chair of the African
bloc, which Trump said was a "great honour".
"I know
you're going to your first meeting shortly. Please give my warmest
regards," Trump told Kagame after they held a one-on-one meeting at the
World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The US
president ignored questions shouted by journalists about his reported
dismissal this month of African nations as "shithole countries", during a
meeting on immigration with congressional leaders.
The
reported remark drew outrage around the world and prompted several
African governments to demand explanations from their US ambassadors.
The
55-nation African Union chaired by Kagame demanded an apology, although
Trump has denied making the remark as relayed by US lawmakers who were
present at the meeting.
Trump said he had "tremendous discussions" in Davos with Kagame,
who for his part said they had "good discussions" about the economy and
trade.
No comments :
Post a Comment