In a major step toward deeper Africa-Caribbean cooperation, President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia have committed to formally establishing diplomatic relations between their two nations.
President Tinubu stressed the value of strengthening bonds based on a common history, culture, and set of goals during a courtesy call to Prime Minister Pierre on Sunday at his official home in Castries. He praised the hospitality extended to him and his delegation since their arrival and called the people of Saint Lucia “valued friends and brothers.”
The Nigerian leader emphasized the value of tightening ties in trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural exchange, pointing out that both countries are bound together by shared struggles and a history of resiliency. Closer cooperation, he said, would not only enhance consular services but also promote understanding and economic growth on both sides.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to international collaborations and promised to support SIDS’s concerns in international fora, especially on urgent matters like disaster relief, climate change, and development finance access. According to him, collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean is essential in a world that is changing quickly and is characterized by geopolitical unpredictability.
Prime Minister Pierre responded by expressing hope for the future of bilateral ties and recalling Saint Lucia’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, pointing to the role played by Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who was Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979, as an illustration of the two countries’ shared history.
Pierre listed several important areas of cooperation between the two nations, such as infrastructure development, tourism, healthcare, education, and agriculture. Nigeria, positioning itself as a global entertainment hub, could learn a lot from Saint Lucia, he said, citing the island nation’s success in creating a global cultural presence through events like the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.
He also highlighted Saint Lucia’s efforts to have at least one university graduate per household and commended Nigeria’s educational accomplishments. According to him, Tinubu’s visit would shed light on the nation’s educational goals, especially through interactions with Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
At their meeting at Government House, President Tinubu and Governor-General Cyril Charles emphasized the Commonwealth’s function as a forum for collaboration on technical assistance, development, and climate issues.
Both leaders agree that countries in the Global South need to rely more on one another to secure their development goals and navigate an increasingly complex international environment, and the visit is part of a larger push to strengthen ties between African and Caribbean states.
