Both leaders harped on the need for cooperation especially at a time of shifting global alliances and power shifts.

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the leaders spoke during Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the prime minister at his official residence in Castries, Saint Lucia’s capital.

The meeting was held on the second day of Tinubu’s state visit to the Caribbean nation.

According to the statement, Tinubu acknowledged the enduring connections between Africans and Caribbeans shaped by a shared past with historical and cultural ties

“We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” Tinubu said.

The president 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.

“This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding. It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development,” he said.

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 also affirmed Nigeria’s support for the priorities and perspectives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international fora.

Pierre added agriculture, health, and physical infrastructure as key areas of collaboration between both nations.

“The cultural affinities between us are apparent. This is embedded in our DNA, and time cannot erase it. Saint Lucia is now an established global centre for cultural festivals,” he said.

“The acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is now a global brand, and there is much that we can share with Nigeria as it seeks to establish itself as a centre for global entertainment, particularly in the film and music industries; moreover, there is an incredible potential for people-to-people exchange.”

The prime minister noted Saint Lucia’s intention to position Nigeria at the core as it looks to strengthen its relationship with Africa.

“Your visit comes at a time of heightened global insecurity and a fundamental shifting in the exercise of power in international relations by the major powers in the Global North,” Pierre said.

“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.

“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.”

Both leaders also discussed their Commonwealth membership as a platform for collaboration.

Onanuga noted that Tinubu also visited Cyril Charles, governor-general of Saint Lucia, at the Government House, Morne Fortune.