The Traffic

Tinubu departs Saint Lucia for Brazil

President Bola Tinubu has departed Saint Lucia for Brazil, where he'll attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025. This marks the second leg of his two-nation diplomatic tour, following a successful six-day state visit to Saint Lucia that began on June 28.

By Rhalialt Arhuoizah 

*Key Highlights of the Visit:*

- *Diplomatic Relations:* Nigeria and Saint Lucia have formalized diplomatic relations, paving the way for increased cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and academic collaboration.
- *Technical Manpower Assistance Agreement:* A technical manpower assistance agreement was signed, allowing Nigeria to deploy skilled professionals to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations.
- *Meetings with Saint Lucian Leaders:* President Tinubu met with Governor General Cyril Errol Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre, discussing mutual cooperation in areas like climate change, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development financing.
- *Address to Parliament:* Tinubu addressed a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to South-South cooperation and emphasizing shared ancestry and values between Africa and the Caribbean.

*BRICS Summit:*

- *Global South Cooperation:* The summit will focus on strengthening global south cooperation for more inclusive and sustainable governance, with discussions prioritizing social, economic, and environmental development.
- *African Representation:* President Tinubu will join other African leaders from Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa at the summit, highlighting Nigeria's growing commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties with the Global South .