President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Saturday for an official visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil, aimed at strengthening Nigeria's diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with countries in the Global South.

According to a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the trip is expected to "open new pathways for infrastructure development, educational cooperation, youth empowerment, and diplomatic exchange."

Caribbean Diplomacy: First Stop Saint Lucia

The President's first destination is the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia, where he will conduct a state visit. During his stay, Tinubu will hold high-level talks with key government officials, including Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

A highlight of the visit will be President Tinubu's address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucia Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Sandals Grande, Gros Islet. The event will welcome Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior officials, diplomats, and members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia.

Following this address, the President will host a high-level luncheon with OECS leaders to explore opportunities for deeper economic and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and Caribbean nations.

The presidential itinerary also includes a visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where Tinubu will promote academic exchange and educational partnerships.

This Caribbean engagement forms part of Nigeria's broader commitment to strengthen relations with Caribbean nations under the African Union's Sixth Region framework, which recognizes the African diaspora as a vital partner in Africa's development agenda.

BRICS Summit in Brazil

After concluding his Saint Lucia visit, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, scheduled for July 6-7, 2025.

The President's participation comes at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with Nigeria attending as a "partner country" – a membership category that ranks higher than guest status but falls short of full membership. Currently, South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia represent Africa as BRICS members.

This year's summit will focus on "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance," a theme that aligns with Nigeria's international policy objectives.

Senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu throughout both diplomatic engagements.

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