The Nigerian leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre have pledged to establish formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
Both leaders discussed ongoing efforts towards this objective during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister at his official residence in Castries, on the second day of the Nigerian President’s State Visit to the Caribbean nation.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advocating for the interests of smaller states and expressed readiness to explore opportunities to enhance trade and economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
A statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, noted that President Tinubu acknowledged the enduring connections shaped by a shared past and the collective resilience of both regions, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Africans and Caribbeans. President Tinubu said.
He noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral engagement would lay the foundation for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, while improving consular services for citizens of both nations. he added.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Saint Lucia on global issues of mutual concern, including climate change, disaster response, and development financing. He affirmed Nigeria’s support for the priorities and perspectives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international fora.
Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged the productive discussions between the two countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs and expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties. he said.
Reflecting on Saint Lucia’s longstanding connection to Nigeria, the Prime Minister recalled:
He outlined key areas for potential collaboration, including agriculture, tourism, culture, education, health, and physical infrastructure.
The Prime Minister lauded Nigeria’s legacy in education and emphasised the importance of deepening educational cooperation to support his goal of one university graduate per household, at minimum.
Prime Minister Pierre reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s intention to strengthen ties with the African continent, with Nigeria playing a central role. There is growing uncertainty about the basis and motivation underlying international relationships. There is growing uncertainty about the integrity of friendships and alliances in international relationships,” he said.
The Prime Minister recalled that in one of his first addresses in August 2021, he pledged to deepen Saint Lucia’s ties with Africa and described President Tinubu’s visit as a timely opportunity to pursue collaboration. “There is a need for countries in the Global South to consolidate existing relationships with each other and to create, establish and develop relationships of cooperation where such relationships do not exist. Saint Lucia is seeking to do just that with Nigeria,” he said.
President Tinubu also visited the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, at the Government House, Morne Fortune. They discussed their shared Commonwealth membership as a platform for collaboration on climate change, technical assistance, and addressing socio-economic challenges.
President Tinubu appreciated the hospitality extended to him and his delegation since their arrival, describing Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers.”
