The reinforcement of communication channels between States was at the centre of discussions between the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul BIYA and the outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E. Nozomu Takaoka, when both personalities met at Unity Palace for a farewell audience on 9 January 2024.
Speaking to journalists after the 35-minute exchange, the Japanese Diplomat thanked the Head of State for his graciousness.
“He was gracious and kind to tell me his words of appreciation of the Japan-Cameroon relations and how much progress we have made during the past two years during which I was ambassador here,” he said.
Cameroon and Japan have made advancements in various fields, including agriculture, fisheries, health and capacity-building. Tokyo and Yaounde are strategic partners in the realisation of the Presidential Reconstruction and Development Plan of the North-West and South-West Regions (PPRD).
Ambassador Nozomu Takaoka also emphasised the importance of promoting dialogue in diplomacy. While recalling that Japan chaired the G7 in 2023, he said it was logical for him to share that principle not just between Japan and Cameroon but also with the other members of the G7 countries.
“A country like Cameroon and the rest of the world should strive to promote dialogue. We have to make more effort to have dialogue and I appreciate the Cameroonian stance on this,” he explained.
President Paul BIYA is known worldwide as a “beggar of peace”. His vision on this subject was reiterated on 5 January in his response to wishes from the Diplomatic Corps in which he appealed for guns to be silenced.
Mr Nozomu Takaoka concluded with best wishes for the further development of the Cameroon-Japan cooperation.
