I respect Africa, Trump writes continental leaders

President Donald Trump of the United States has sent a letter to African leaders, saying he “deeply respects” the people of Africa

He also says Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will make an “extended visit” to the continent in March, his first in that role.

The letter dated January 25 came as the continent’s leaders gathered for the African Union summit this weekend in Ethiopia’s capital.

Trump, in the letter, claims  the U.S. “profoundly respects” the partnerships and values shared by the U.S. and Africans and that the president’s commitment to strong relationships with African nations is “firm.”

The letter offers Trump’s “deepest compliments” to the African leaders as they gather.

It notes that U.S. soldiers are “fighting side by side” against extremism on the continent and that the U.S. is working to increase “free, fair and reciprocal trade” with African countries and partnering to “safeguard legal immigration.”