On the evening of September 4, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Cameroon relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi Jinping pointed out that President Paul Biya has attended every FOCAC Beijing Summit, reflecting his strong commitment to developing China-Africa friendship and cooperation and his deep affection for China. China-Cameroon friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, no matter how the international situation changes, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, and their friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation has grown steadily. China is ready to work with Cameroon to build a China-Cameroon friendly cooperative relationship of greater substance and importance and elevate bilateral relations to a higher level.
Xi Jinping emphasized that China appreciates Cameroon's consistent and firm support to China on issues concerning its core interests. China has always supported Cameroon's efforts to safeguard national unity and solidarity, counter terrorism and achieve peace and development. The two sides should maintain close interactions and exchange experience on state governance. China is ready to build on the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit to promote bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, industrial development, connectivity, agriculture and health, so as to help Cameroon diversify its economy. China appreciates Cameroon's active participation in multilateral affairs and is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with Cameroon to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
Paul Biya said that this is his eighth visit to China and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Chinese side for the warm and friendly reception, which not only showcases the enduring friendship between Africa and China, but also reflects the deep bond between the two peoples. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cameroon and China 53 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained sound development and many projects invested by China in Cameroon have strongly promoted Cameroon's economic development. Cameroon is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China and continuously deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. With its advantageous geographical location and high-quality human resources, Cameroon welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in the country and help Cameroon translate its advantages in mineral resources and other areas into drivers for development. Cameroon firmly abides by the one-China principle, appreciates and supports the series of global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to make global governance more conducive to safeguarding world peace and international fairness and justice.
Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
