President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, for a significant diplomatic visit to two countries – Saint Lucia and Brazil.
The President’s first stop will be Saint Lucia, where he will conduct a state visit focused on strengthening Nigeria’s ties with Caribbean nations and promoting South-South cooperation.
During his time in Saint Lucia, Tinubu will engage in high-level discussions with the island nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, to explore opportunities for collaboration in areas such as economic development, education, infrastructure, and diplomatic exchange.
The visit is expected to deepen the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean, leveraging their shared heritage and historical connections.
The state visit to Saint Lucia is seen as a strategic move to unlock broad economic, cultural, and social opportunities across the Caribbean region.
With Saint Lucia serving as the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), a regional body of seven nations, and a valued member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), comprising 15 countries with a combined GDP of approximately $130 billion, the visit presents a unique chance for Nigeria to engage with a significant regional market.
The visit will also showcase the strong cultural affinity between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, rooted in history, heritage, and the African diaspora, with Nigerian music, Nollywood films, and healthcare professionals already making a significant impact in the island nation.
After concluding his visit to Saint Lucia, the Nigerian leader will head to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
This summit provides a platform for leaders from emerging economies to discuss global issues, share experiences, and explore opportunities for cooperation.
Persecondnews recalls that in October 2024, Nigeria officially joined the BRICS bloc as a partner country, alongside 12 other nations, strengthening its economic relations.
The announcement was made at the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, further consolidating Nigeria’s economic ties with emerging markets.
In addition to Nigeria, the countries now recognized as BRICS partner nations include Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
While these nations have not attained full membership status, their inclusion represents a pivotal moment for the bloc as it continues to expand its influence.
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