The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) will today, Sunday, May 16, 2021, depart Abuja for Paris, France on a four-day official visit to attend African Finance Summit.

The summit will focus on reviewing the African economy, following shocks from the coronavirus pandemic, and getting relief, especially from the increased debt burden on countries.

Set to be hosted by French President, Emmanuel Macron, the summit will draw major stakeholders in the global finance institutions and some Heads of Government, who will collectively discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms.

During the visit, President Buhari, according to a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, will meet with the French President to discuss growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, economic ties, climate change and partnership in buoying the health sector, particularly in checking the spread of COVID-19, with more research and vaccines.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed; Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, and Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

Also on the presidential entourage are the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Mohammed Monguno (rtd), and Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.