The leaders of the Republic of Cameroon and the People's Republic of China have announced their willingness to upgrade diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
This laudable initiative was disclosed during a bilateral meeting between His Excellency Paul BIYA and President Xi JINPING at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on 4 September 2024.
In his opening declaration, the Chinese Head of State appreciated President Paul BIYA's firm commitment to the growth of the 53-year-old Sino-Cameroon ties, and activities that have strengthened the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi JINPING expressed his country's readiness to collaborate with the distinguished Cameroonian leader to foster bilateral ties.
On his part, President Paul BIYA thanked the Chinese people through their illustrious leader for their outstanding hospitality.
He commended the flow of direct investments from China that have resulted in the realisation of important development-oriented infrastructures in the energy, transport, telecommunications, agriculture, mining, and sports domains. He highlighted the ongoing construction of a new edifice to host Cameroon's Parliament in Yaounde.
The Cameroonian Head of State, who is on his 8th trip to China, seized the opportunity to solemnly invite President Xi JINPING to Cameroon.
The cordial bilateral talks were followed by a welcome banquet offered by President Xi JINPING and First Lady Peng LIYUAN to the Heads of State and Government attending the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
President Paul BIYA attended the special event in the company of First Lady Chantal BIYA.
The official opening ceremony of the summit is scheduled for 5 September 2024 under the theme: "Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future".
