Buhari to visit US July 20

President Muhammadu Buhari will visit his United States counterpart, Barrack Obama, on July 20,2015, the White House announced in a statement on Thursday.

Obama would host Buhari in a symbolic show of solidarity, during which they would discuss combating Boko Haram militants as well as economic and political issues.

'President Obama will host Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House on July 20; The visit will mark our support for the Nigerian people following their historic democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power,' the statement added.

Obama's administration had faced criticism for not planning to visit Nigeria during a two-nation Africa tour to Kenya and Ethiopia also slated for July.

The White House said Obama looks forward to discussing with Buhari the two countries' many shared priorities including US-Nigeria cooperation to 'advance a holistic, regional approach to combating Boko Haram, as well as Nigeria's efforts to advance economic and political reforms that will help unlock its full potential as a regional and global leader.'

During the visit, Buhari's advisers are expected to meet with their American counterparts and discuss building a stronger bilateral relationship.