French military personnel honoured

The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, on July 12, 2016, decorated on behalf of the Head of State, two senior officers of the French Military Cooperation with medals of Knight of the National Order of Merit.

Colonel De Roquemaurel Hugues and Lieutenant Colonel Davaillon Loïc, who spent three years in Cameroon, received the State recognition during a solemn ceremony in the Ministry of Defence in the presence of the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Christine Robichon and close aides of the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence.

Minister Joseph Beti Assomo said besides the award of the medals, the occasion presented the opportunity to celebrate friendship and solid military collaboration between Cameroon and France.

"In recognition of meritorious services rendered to Cameroon during their three- year stay, the Head of State decided to elevate some Military Cooperation personnel to the rank of Knight of Cameroon Order of Merit," the Minister explained.

The senior officers, he said, worked with abnegation, professionalism and determination and contributed in reinforcing friendly relations between both countries in their respective duty posts.

Colonel De Roquemaurel expressed gratitude to the Cameroon for the recognition of their work. He lauded the hospitality of Cameroonians and pledged to be the country's ambassador even as he leaves.

The two officers were attached to the Yaounde International War College and the Staff and Command College where they were involved in training officers to adapt to specific security missions linked to defence issues in Africa.