Diplomacy : Radiant, Ever-growing Network

It was indeed a year of active diplomacy. Cameroon’s participation in international fora was remarkable, prospects of expanding diplomatic networks became more evident and bilateral relations were enhanced, especially with the visit of French President, Emmanuel Macron to Cameroon on July 25 and 26, 2022. The visit undoubtedly gave fresh impetus to Cameroon-France relations, two countries with historical ties that have enjoyed bilateral cooperation for six decades and counting in various domains. 
Deepening collaboration and partnership in the domains of agriculture, digital economy, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, sports and professional training stood out after the audience the French leader had with President Paul Biya on July 26, 2022. His meeting with other stakeholders (public and private) translates the fact that broad-based consultations are imperative for growth, especially in the aforementioned sectors. Cameroon was the first African nation the French President visited after his re-election in April 2022. The choice of beginning the African tour in Cameroon speaks volume to the level of cooperation ties, something which President Macron himself said was not by chance, but rather due to the strategic and longstanding partnership that exists between Yaounde and Paris. President Macron also reiterated the support of France in accelerating the decentralisation process, which according to him will go a long way in proffering solutions to the crisis in the North West and South West Regions of the country. Billions of francs have been invested by France through the French Development Agency in different development projects in Cameroon. 
As concerns enhancing Cameroon’s bilateral relations with other countries, several efforts were made. External Relations Minister visited several countries and officials of countries were also received. Simply put, C...