President Goodluck Jonathan to visit Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of Emancipation Celebrations 2012

July 26, 2012:

Nigerian President, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan and Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan, will make a historic State visit to Trinidad and Tobago begining July 31st 2012/ .

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated that, "Trinidad and Tobago is extremely pleased that their Excellencies have accepted the Invitation of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to participate in this years Emancipation Celebrations, especially as this also takes place in the historic year of our 50th Anniversary of Independence.".

President Jonathan and the First Lady of Nigeria will arrive at  the Piarco International Airport to a formal Military Guard of Honour.

The President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet will welcome their Excellencies on arrival to Trinidad and Tobago.

During his visit the President of Nigeria will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and her Cabinet, where trade and energy related matters will be discussed with a view to further developing partnerships between the two countries. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar will also host a lunch on the 2nd of August at the Diplomatic Centre in honour of their Excellencies and on the occasion of Emancipation Day , 2012.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 2011 announced the formation of a Chamber of Commerce of Nigeria, and has been actively involved in areas of technical co-operation in health care and Energy related matters. The Nigerian President will also visit key energy and shipping installations.

This will be the second official meeting of the two Heads of Government. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and President Jonathan met and held discussions previously in Australia, during Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in October 2011.

Their Excellencies are expected to depart on the 02nd of August 2012.