Nigeria, Saint Lucia Establish Formal Relations to Deepen Economic and Cultural Ties
President Bola Tinubu and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, have pledged to establish formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean island nation, signaling a strategic alliance in response to shifting global power dynamics.
Both leaders met at Pierre’s official residence in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, during the second day of Tinubu’s state visit to the country. The visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly between Africa and the Caribbean.
“We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” Tinubu said, emphasizing the shared historical and cultural roots between Africans and Caribbeans.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, the president noted that strengthening bilateral engagement would pave the way for cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, education, investment, and cultural exchange.
“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,” Tinubu added.
He also pledged Nigeria’s support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and collaboration on global issues including climate change and development financing.
Pierre, welcoming the partnership, said: “The cultural affinities between us are apparent. This is embedded in our DNA, and time cannot erase it.”
“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,” Pierre said, affirming Saint Lucia’s intent to anchor its Africa relations around Nigeria.
Tinubu also visited Cyril Charles, governor-general of Saint Lucia, at Government House, Morne Fortune.
