Liberian president not offended by Trump's ‘good English' remark, ‘honoured' by meeting
The US president's gaffe has even inspired a catchy tribute song in the West African country, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said on Friday evening.
Trump praised President Joseph Boakai on Wednesday for his English-speaking skills, apparently unaware that English is the official language of Liberia.
Responding to remarks Boakai made at a White House mini-summit alongside the presidents of five mineral-rich, French-speaking countries in West Africa, the US leader said: 'Such good English … Where were you educated?'
US President Donald Trump hosts a lunch for African leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal at the White House on July 9. Photo: Reuters
Boakai – who, like most Liberians, speaks English as a first language – laughed uncomfortably and replied he had been educated in his home country.
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