The Head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA has granted audience to the French Minister of Interior Bernard CAZENEUVE with whom he discussed a wide range of security and economic issues on Friday 15 May 2015. The French Minister, who was accompanied by an impressive delegation, including the French Ambassador to Cameroon Christine ROBICHON, arrived Unity Palace in the early afternoon. At the end of the audience, Bernard CAZENEUVE was awarded the medal of Grand Officer of the order of Valour.

Speaking to the press immediately after the discussions that lasted nearly one hour, Bernard CAZENEUVE hailed the strong friendship ties that exist between Paris and Yaoundé, and said France has a reliable partner in Cameroon and the President of the Republic in their fight against terrorism in the region.

The French Interior Minister reiterated the strong determination of France to combat terrorism in all forms, especially the barbaric and hideous activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group which has brought havoc to several parts of Central and West Africa. He expressed the need for the international community to take into consideration all the negative consequences that the terror activities of this group has had on the countries of the region and their population.

Another issue raised during the discussions with the Head of State was that of migrations, which of late has been of major concern. Bernard CAZENEUVE said the related aspects of solidarity and the rescue of those who are in very precarious situations. One of the solutions he advanced was the setting up of major development projects in Africa which can create jobs and keep the immigrants in place.

The French Minister of Interior said that discussions with President Paul BIYA also centred on cooperation between the two countries and training. He said both countries have mutual respect and confidence in each other, and have many things that they do in common.

The delegation accompanying Bernard CAZENEUVE to Unity Palace included the French Ambassador to Cameroon Christine ROBICHON, Jean Paul BACQUET, Member of Parliament and President of the Business Forum, as well as several other senior French personalities.