PHOTOS: Tinubu arrives Saint Lucia for state visit

President Bola Tinubu landed in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday to kick off a two-nation diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America.

At Hewanorra International Airport, Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by Cyril Charles, Saint Lucia’s governor-general, and Philip Pierre, the prime minister.

The state visit officially begins on Sunday with courtesy calls on the governor-general and prime minister.

On Monday, Tinubu will address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s senate and house of assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

The event will host regional leaders, including the heads of government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, diplomats, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and Didacus Jules, OECS director-general.

After Saint Lucia, the president will travel to Brazil for the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7.

On the invitation of Luiz Lula da Silva, Brazilian president, Tinubu will attend as a ‘partner country’, a status above guest but below full membership.

Other African BRICS members include South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on “Strengthening global south cooperation for more inclusive and sustainable governance,” with discussions centred on social, economic, and environmental development priorities.