Military Cooperation: Cameroon, Gabon to reinforce ties

Visiting Gabonese military officers yesterday May 16, 2016, held discussions with the Secretary of State in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste Bokam.

The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste Bokam yesterday May 16, 2016, in Yaounde held talks with the visiting delegation of the 8th batch of the Gabonese Gendarmerie Command Staff School, who are on a one- week sojourn in Cameroon.

The delegation accompanied by the Gabonese Ambassador to Cameroon, Paul Patrick Biffot expressed their desire to reinforce military cooperation between Gabon and Cameroon.

According to the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste Bokam, professionalism in the execution of the mission of the Gendarmerie especially during this era of increasing phenomenon of terrorism is paramount. He said Cameroon and Gabon, being friendly and neighbouring countries could examine common ways of combating the phenomenon and other security threats.

The Gabonese Ambassador to Cameroon, Paul Patrick Biffot expressed his government's gratitude to President Paul Biya for giving his accord for the delegation to visit Cameroon, which he said, is a mark of confidence. The diplomat also lauded Cameroon's legendary hospitality shown the Gabonese officers since their arrival in Cameroon. Ambassador Biffot said Cameroon and Gabon has excellent bilateral political and commercial relations which need to be reinforced by signing accords.

Security cooperation is also of great importance given that the two neighbouring countries face same security challenges. The 15-man delegation that arrived Cameroon on May 13, 2016, will not only visit the International School for Security Forces (EIFORCES) but will also during their stay visit some tourist sites like the National Museum, the Reunification Monument, Mount Cameroon amongst others.