The Head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA and the Russian Ambassador to Cameroon Nicolay RATSIBORINSKY have held discussions at Unity on ways to increase cooperation between Cameroon and Russia. The discussions took place during an audience granted the Russian envoy on Friday 29 May 2015 at Unity Palace.

Speaking to reporters immediately after the hour long discussions, Nicolay RATSIBORINSKI declared that he first transmitted the message of congratulations from Russian President Vladimir Putin to President Paul BIYA on the occasion of the National Day that was celebrated on 20 May 2015, as well as his own personal appraisal of the very colourful event. 

Nicolay RATSIBORINSKY praised African solidarity in the fight against Boko Haram which is a demonstration of what can be achieved when African rely on their own resources.

The Ambassador said he was very happy with the level of contacts and cooperation between Cameroon and Russia, promising more assistance especially in the handling of refugees. Nicolay RATSIBORINSKY announced the arrival of a ship in Douala with food and other necessities as part of the humanitarian assistance that his country is giving to Cameroon.

Nicolay RATSIBORINSKY also declared that the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation René SADI will be travelling on Monday to Moscow for further discussions with Russian authorities. He also revealed that the Ministry of Justice had signed two agreements with Russia and that many other discussions are ongoing between Cameroonian and Russian authorities.

Other areas of cooperation, according to Nicolay RATSIBORINSKY include energy, where Russian banks are highly interested and security concerns, with the training of officers and other experts in the pipeline.