René Cremonese is Canada's new Commissioner to CMR

The new High Commissioner of Canada to Cameroon was born on November 17, 1960 in New Westminster, Canada.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia (1982), a Diploma in French Studies from the University of Strasbourg (1983) and a Master’s degree in Political Studies from the Institute of International Studies, Geneva.

Prior to his appointment, His Excellency René Cremonese was appointed Director of Information in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development as from 2012. He was previously Director of Planning in the same ministry from 2010 to 2012; Director of Communication from 2009 to 2010, and Deputy High Commissioner to Australia from 2008 to 2009.

Other positions held by him include Director of Electronic Communication in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development from 2007 to 2008, Counsellor in the Cabinet of the Secretary of State in charge of Asia and Pacific from 2002 to 2003, and Special Assistant in charge of Canadian Strategy for Asia from 2000 to 2002. He began his diplomatic career in 1986 as Officer in charge of Protocol for Expo 86.

Quite at ease with the French and English languages, High Commissioner René Cremonese’s tenure is expected to continue to uplift the excellent relations between Cameroon and Canada.

The two countries collaborate in multilateral fora such as the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie and the Commonwealth. Economic prosperity, the promotion of democratic values, respect for human rights, good governance and regional security are the pillars of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Canada encourages the practical efforts made in these areas. Canada also encourages Cameroonian efforts to overcome regional security challenges, particularly related to actions by Boko Haram and the impact of the crisis in the Central African Republic.

After over half a century of bilateral relations between the two countries, Cameroon and Canada have moved from a donor-beneficiary relationship to one of trade partners. That change was illustrated by the signing of a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) in Toronto on March 3, 2014.

Cameroon was both Canada’s second top export destination and second largest import source in the Central African region in 2013. The same year, two-way merchandise trade reached 53.1 million US Dollars (about FCFA 29.2 billion).