RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is a “faithful friend” that continues to support Cameroon’s economic development.
This is according to Cameroon’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Iya Tidjani, who was speaking in Riyadh on Sunday to mark his country’s 51st National Day.
Those in attendance at the Diplomatic Quarter’s Cultural Palace included Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, and Mayor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf.
Tidjani said: “Since 1966, the year when diplomatic relations between the two countries were established, these relations have continued to deepen and cooperation has diversified for the mutual benefit.”
“Thanks to the will, repeatedly affirmed, of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a new dawn was reached with the signing on Nov. 21, 2021, in Yaounde of the General Cooperation Agreement between Cameroon and Saudi Arabia.
“It will considerably boost the excellent historical relations between our two countries, particularly in the areas of investment, trade, mining, agriculture, tourism, sports and the fight against terrorism.”
“This agreement, therefore, opens great prospects for cooperation between the two countries, especially as it reinforces the air agreement signed on March 7, 2017, thus paving the way for the acceleration and expansion of trade and tourism between the two countries,” said the envoy.
“Saudi Arabia is a faithful friend and a major player in international relations, as is sufficiently confirmed by the eminent role that this country is playing in the world economy, the solidarity and cohesion of the Ummah, the fight against terrorism, the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond,” said Tidjani.
Cameroon Ambassador Iya Tidjani cuts cake with Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi & Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf at the Cultural Palace reception. (Supplied)
He said that officials of the two nations are in regular contact to discuss major international issues. “It is in this context that Cameroonian Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the visit to Cameroon in October 2020,” he added.
“I would like to express the Cameroonian government’s gratitude to the Saudi authorities for the multifaceted support they are providing to our country, through the Saudi Development Fund, and the Saudi medical caravan which since the year 2000, has been sent every year to bring medical care to the population,” said the envoy.
Moreover, a joint medical team from the Al-Balsam Organization and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, or KSrelief, is currently in Cameroon within this framework, he added.
Cameroon celebrates May 20 as its national day, and the embassy in Riyadh celebrated the 51st anniversary of the advent of the unitary state on Sunday, May 21, he said.
The 51st national day was celebrated under the theme “Defense forces and Cameroonian people, in harmony to safeguard peace and national unity, bedrock of a strong and prosperous Cameroon.” The day is also known as the National Unity Day of Cameroon.
The activities in Riyadh included a cultural program and exhibition, and was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials and members of the community.
