In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cameroonian President Paul Biya announced on Wednesday the elevation of China-Cameroon ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The announcement came during a meeting between the two leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where President Biya is attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi commended President Biya for his consistent participation in FOCAC summits, highlighting the importance he places on China-Africa friendship and cooperation. “Your attendance at all previous editions of the summit demonstrates the profound amity you have with China,” Xi said.
He emphasized China’s readiness to work with Cameroon to foster a more substantive and meaningful partnership. “We are prepared to elevate our bilateral ties to a higher level,” Xi stated, noting China’s support for Cameroon in safeguarding national unity, promoting ethnic solidarity, combating terrorism, and achieving peace and development.
President Xi also acknowledged Cameroon’s active role in multilateral affairs, expressing China’s willingness to strengthen communication and coordination. “Together, we can safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries,” he added.
President Biya expressed Cameroon’s commitment to deepening its partnership with China. “We are ready to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership,” Biya affirmed.
Highlighting Cameroon’s favorable geographic location and rich human resources, President Biya welcomed increased Chinese investment. “We invite more Chinese businesses to invest in Cameroon, helping us transform our mineral resource advantages into development momentum,” he said.
Reiterating Cameroon’s adherence to the one-China principle, President Biya voiced support for the global initiatives proposed by President Xi. “We are committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation with China to promote global governance that favors world peace and international justice,” he concluded.
