The Head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA has received the letters of credence of the Ambassador of Brazil to Cameroon, H.E. Nei Futuro BITENCOURT and the South African High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E. Zanele MAKINA during tow separate diplomatic ceremonies that took place on Friday 17 May 2013 at Unity Palace.

The Brazilian Ambassador arrived Unity Palace this morning for a highly colourful ceremony that begins at the courtyard of Unity Palace, where a detachment of the Presidential Guard had already taken up position for military honours for the diplomat. Starting with a review of the troops and stopping to salute the flag as the National Anthem of Cameroon was executed, the Ambassador was then led into the presence of the President of the Republic.

Ambassador Nei Futuro BITENCOURT handed his letters of credence to President Paul BIYA and later had a tête-à-tête with him, a moment during which the two personalities certainly discussed ways to move forward the cooperation links between Brazil and Cameroon.

The South African High Commissioner to Cameroon, Mrs. Zanele MAKINA had similar military honours before presenting her appointment letters to President Paul BIYA. The South African diplomat and the Head of State then spent sometime together as they made an overview of the issues of common interest to both countries.

During the ceremonies, some close collaborators of the Head of State were present, notable the Minister of External Relations, Pierre MOUKOKO BONJO; the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Ferdinand NGOH NGOH; the Director of the Civil Cabinet, Mr. Martin BELINGA EBOUTOU; the Commander of the Head of State’s Special Command, Air Commodore AMOUGOU Emmanuel, and the Commander of the Presidential Guard, Major BEKO’O ABONDO Raymond Jean Charles.