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President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre agreed on Sunday to establish formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The two leaders addressed this initiative during Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister at his official residence in Castries, which coincided with the second day of the Nigerian leader’s state visit to the Caribbean nation.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, indicated that Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality shown to him and his delegation, describing the people of Saint Lucia as "valued friends and brothers."
The statement is titled “President Tinubu, Prime Minister Pierre Commit to Establishing Formal Diplomatic Relations Between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.”
Tinubu recognized the lasting connections forged by a shared history and the resilience of both regions, emphasizing the cultural and historical bonds between the African and Caribbean peoples. “Our two nations are linked by history, culture, and shared aspirations.
We are determined to cultivate and enhance this relationship,” Tinubu stated. He mentioned that ongoing efforts to bolster bilateral engagement would form the basis for improved cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange, while also enhancing consular services for citizens of both countries.
“This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a means to deepen economic connections and promote mutual understanding. It embodies our commitment to advancing prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development,” he asserted.
Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s willingness to collaborate with Saint Lucia on global matters of shared concern, including climate change, disaster response, and development financing.
He confirmed Nigeria's support for the priorities and perspectives of Small Island Developing States in international forums. Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged the fruitful discussions between the Foreign Affairs ministers of both nations and expressed optimism for the future of their bilateral relationship.
“There is a sense of excitement and hope about the future of relations between our countries,” he remarked. Reflecting on the historical ties between Saint Lucia and Nigeria, Prime Minister Pierre noted: “Saint Lucia’s small size did not hinder it from contributing one of its finest talents to Nigeria's post-independence development by bringing Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s fourth Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.”
He outlined key areas for potential collaboration such as agriculture, tourism, culture, education, health, and infrastructure.
According to the Prime Minister, “Our cultural ties are evident. This is ingrained in our DNA, and time cannot erase it. Saint Lucia is now a recognized global hub for cultural festivals.
The renowned Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has become a global brand, and there is much we can share with Nigeria as it aims to become a center for global entertainment, particularly in film and music; additionally, there is tremendous potential for person-to-person exchanges.”
Pierre commended Nigeria’s educational legacy and stressed the need to enhance educational collaboration to realize his objective of at least one university graduate per household.
“Nigeria’s achievements in higher education are well-documented. Your program will provide insight into our ambitions in this field, particularly with a visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, our premier educational institution.
The distinguished Nobel Laureate in Economics, after whom the College was named, posited that education is crucial for development. Saint Lucia is striving to put this belief into practice within its means.
A policy of my government is to ensure at least one university graduate per household,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister reiterated Saint Lucia’s goal to strengthen its ties with the African continent, with Nigeria playing a crucial role.
“Your visit comes at a time of increased global insecurity and significant changes in the dynamics of international relations among the major powers in the Global North.
There is growing uncertainty about the motivations and foundations of these international relationships. There is also growing doubt about the integrity of friendships and alliances on the global stage,” he noted.
He recalled that in one of his first speeches as Prime Minister in August 2021, he committed to strengthening Saint Lucia’s relationship with Africa and considered President Tinubu’s visit a timely opportunity to investigate cooperation.
“Countries in the Global South must reinforce existing relationships among themselves and foster, establish, and develop cooperative relationships where none currently exist. Saint Lucia is focused on achieving this with Nigeria,” Pierre elaborated.
President Tinubu also paid a visit to the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, at the Government House, Morne Fortune, where they discussed their Commonwealth membership as a framework for collaboration on climate change, technical assistance, and addressing societal challenges.
Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advocating for the interests of smaller nations and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to explore opportunities to enhance trade and economic collaboration, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
