President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, marking the first stop of his two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was received at Hewanorra International Airport with full military honors. He was welcomed by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, Cyril Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
The President is set to begin his official engagements on Sunday with courtesy visits to both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
On Monday, Tinubu will deliver an address to a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly. The event will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, in Gros Islet. Dignitaries expected at the session include leaders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerian residents in Saint Lucia, and OECS Director-General Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the parliamentary session, President Tinubu will host a high-level luncheon with OECS heads of government. Discussions will center on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, economy, and cultural exchange.
As part of his visit, Tinubu will also tour the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, with a focus on promoting academic partnerships and educational ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
This state visit highlights Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean nations.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6–7 in Rio de Janeiro.
Tinubu will attend the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as Nigeria joins other nations in exploring expanded partnerships with the BRICS bloc.
The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” with key discussions expected around social, economic, and environmental development across the Global South.
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