US, Nigerian presidents discuss areas of cooperation

U.S. President Barack Obama and visiting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari discussed here on Monday a range of issues on which the two countries could work together, including combating terrorism and deadly epidemics like Ebola.

"We very much look forward to talking about security issues, how we can cooperate on counterterrorism," said Obama before a meeting with Buhari at the Oval Office.

The two countries also have an opportunity to work together on public health issues, such as in fighting Ebola, and other issues like climate change and electrification, Obama added.

Obama praised his Nigerian counterpart for "bringing safety and security and peace" to the West African country.

He also said that Buhari has "a very clear agenda" as a newly- elected president, such as "defeating Boko Haram and extremists of all sorts inside of his country" and "rooting out the corruption that too often has held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country," according to a White House press release.

Buhari, who won the election in March and took office in late May, thanked Obama for America's help to Nigeria as well as for inviting him to visit the United States.

The 72-year-old African leader is also scheduled to meet with U. S. Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and other senior officials.