<blockquote><b>President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia have formally agreed to establish diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean island nation, <a rel=ugc href="https://news360ng.com/nigeria-saint-lucia-seal-diplomatic-ties-as-tinubu-pierre-chart-new-path-for-bilateral-cooperation/">News360 Nigeria</a> reports.</b><br><br>This development was reached during President Tinubus courtesy visit to the Prime Ministers official residence in Castries, marking the second day of his state visit to Saint Lucia.<br><br><b>While addressing his host, President Tinubu described the people of Saint Lucia as valued friends and brothers, noting the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties shared between Africa and the Caribbean.</b><br><br>He stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and culture.<br><br><b>Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship, Tinubu said, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.</b><br><br>He further described the growing relationship as a bridge connecting Africa and the Caribbean, which would help deepen economic partnerships and foster mutual understanding.<br><br><b>President Tinubu also pledged Nigerias willingness to collaborate with Saint Lucia on global issues such as climate change, disaster management, and sustainable development.<br><br>He equally reiterated Nigerias support for the concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at international fora.</b><br><br>On his part, Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about the future of the partnership.<br><br><b>He acknowledged the historical links between both countries, particularly highlighting Saint Lucian-born Sir Darnley Alexander, who once served as Nigerias Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.<br><br>Pierre identified several priority areas for collaboration, including tourism, health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development.</b><br><br>He emphasised the cultural similarities between both nations and cited the global recognition of Saint Lucias creative industry through platforms like the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.<br><br><b>There is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange, Pierre said, adding that Saint Lucia was eager to share its expertise in cultural festivals with Nigeria as the West African country expands its global entertainment footprint.</b><br><br><b>The Prime Minister praised Nigerias achievements in education, noting his governments plan to ensure every household in Saint Lucia produces at least one university graduate.<br><br>He also called for stronger South-South cooperation, citing growing uncertainties in international alliances.<br></b><br>President Tinubu also met with Saint Lucias Governor-General Cyril Charles at Government House, where they discussed matters of Commonwealth cooperation, including joint efforts to address climate change and socioeconomic challenges.<br><br><b>Tinubu assured that Nigeria remained committed to supporting smaller nations, promising to explore new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.<br><br>The visit to Saint Lucia is part of President Tinubus broader diplomatic tour aimed at deepening Nigerias engagement with countries in the Caribbean and South America.</b><br></blockquote><a rel=ugc href="https://news360ng.com/nigeria-saint-lucia-seal-diplomatic-ties-as-tinubu-pierre-chart-new-path-for-bilateral-cooperation/">https://news360ng.com/nigeria-saint-lucia-seal-diplomatic-ties-as-tinubu-pierre-chart-new-path-for-bilateral-cooperation/</a>
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