Joseph Boakai was one of five African leaders hosted at the White House for talks on Wednesday

United States President Donald Trump has intensely praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his command of the English language, after the latter spoke briefly about his desire to elevate ties with the US.

On Wednesday, Trump, flanked by several United States officials, sat at the table with leaders from five African countries who are visiting Washington. Trump hosted leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal at the White House for diplomatic talks and a televised working lunch.

Analysts said the three-day meetings will focus on alleviating the effects of 10% tariffs imposed on the African countries on their goods exported to the United States.

When the turn came for Boakai, he said Liberia supports the policy of making America great again.

"Mr President, we thank you for this opportunity to be here. Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again. We also go a long way with you, with your economic diplomacy that has to do with economic development and commercial friendship.

"Liberia has a lot of minerals. Also, we are committed to peace, and we have been very lucky within our region. We are a country that has a series of democratic elections," he said.

Boakai said he would like to encourage American investment in Liberia.

"We want to work with the United States in peace and security within the region. We are committed to that. We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity," he said.

As soon as Boakai concluded, Trump responded: "Well thank you, and such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? You were educated where?"

With a chuckle, Boakai told Trump that he was educated in Liberia.

Trump responded: "In Liberia? 

Boakai responded: "Yes sir".

Trump added: "That's very interesting. That's a beautiful language too. I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well."

English is the official language in Liberia. The country on the coast of West Africa, Liberia, was founded in 1822 as a colony for freed American slaves. Liberia's flag, also known as Lone Star, has striking similarity to the United States flag.

After Boakai, President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also addressed Trump, commending him for brokering peace between Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda.

"Africa is a vast continent that has many problems and we truly count on you for your assistance in Sudan, and in the Sahel (region) because no investment can be made when there is a war. For investment, you need peace," said Nguema.

In his address, President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, praised Trump's golf skills, inviting him to build a golf course in Senegal.

"I was wondering what your secret was, for resolving all these complex crises. I know you are a tremendous golf player. Golf requires concentration and precision, qualities that also make for a great leader. 

"Senegal has exceptional opportunities to offer, including in the area of tourism. So, perhaps an investment could be made in a golf course in Senegal. It would just be six hours by flight from New York, from Miami, from Europe or from the Gulf and that would be an opportunity for you to show off your skills on the golf course too. Thank you for your attention, sir."

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A visibly impressed Trump responded: "Nice, somewhere to show off my skills. It's a long trip to show off my skill, but that's very nice".

Trump added: "He's led a very interesting life. He looks like a very young person - he's a little older than he looks - but a fantastic job. He was treated very unfairly by his government, and he prevailed, and so congratulations on that."

Faye, born on 25 March 1980, went from political prisoner in 2023 to the first opposition candidate to win the presidency since 1960. Faye won the 2024 Senegalese presidential election at the age of 44, becoming the youngest elected president in the country's history.

First published by IOL