By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip Pierre on Sunday in Castries committed to formalising diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Monday.

According to the statement, both leaders ?reached this agreement during Tinubu?s courtesy visit to Pierre?s official residence on the second day of his State Visit to the Caribbean nation.

President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception, describing Saint Lucians as ?valued friends and brothers.?

Onanuga noted that the Nigerian leader underscored the historical and cultural bonds linking Africa and the Caribbean.

?Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,? Tinubu said.

According to Onanuga, the president emphasised that solidifying these ties would create opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

Tinubu also advocated for improved consular services to enhance mobility and citizen support between the two nations.

?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,? he added.

Tinubu reiterated Nigeria?s readiness to collaborate with Saint Lucia on global concerns, including climate change, disaster response, and development financing.

Onanuga noted that the President affirmed Nigeria?s support for the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international negotiations.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Pierre, welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral talks and voiced optimism about the evolving partnership.

?There is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries,? Pierre said.

The prime minister reflected on Saint Lucia?s enduring ties with Nigeria, dating back to its post-independence era.

?Saint Lucia?s small size did not prevent it from offering one of its finest talents to the post-independence development project of Nigeria in the person of Sir Darnley Alexander, as Nigeria?s fourth Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979.?

Pierre outlined possible areas of collaboration, highlighting agriculture, tourism, education, health, culture, and infrastructure.

?The cultural affinities between us are apparent. This is embedded in our DNA, and time cannot erase it. Saint Lucia is now an established global centre for cultural festivals.

?The acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is now a global brand. There is much we can share with Nigeria as it rises In global entertainment.

?We can also share a lot in the film and music industries; moreover, there is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange.?

Onanuga said Prime Minister Pierre praised Nigeria?s achievements in higher education, proposing deeper academic ties.

?Nigeria?s accomplishments in higher education are historical and well known.?

?Your programme will give you an insight into what we are doing, including a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.?

?Our distinguished Nobel Laureate believed education is the key to development. My government aims for one university graduate per household.?

Pierre reaffirmed Saint Lucia?s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, with Nigeria playing a strategic role.

?Your visit comes at a time of heightened global insecurity and shifting power dynamics in international relations.

?There is growing uncertainty about the motivations behind alliances and the integrity of friendships in international relationships,? he said.

The presidential aide said Tinubu also visited the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, at the Government House, Morne Fortune.

He said they discussed the Commonwealth as a platform for cooperation on climate issues, technical assistance, and economic challenges.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria?s commitment to advocating for the interests of smaller states and exploring new trade and investment opportunities. (NAN)

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