Three diplomats discuss diverse issues

The Ambassadors of Italy and Israel as well as the British High Commissioner to Cameroon on Wednesday April 22, held talks with the Minister of External Relations.

The second half of Wednesday April 22, 2015, was indeed busy in the Ministry of External Relations as Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo received in succession three diplomats notably; the Italian Ambassador, H.E Mrs Samuela Isopi, the British High Commissioner, John Brian Olley and the Israeli Ambassador, Nadav Cohen in that order.

The separate audiences though intended to strengthen the bilateral relations between Cameroon and the respective countries, also touched on the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group and other issues.

Cameroon’s Participation at “Expo Milan 2015”

Apart from reviewing relations between Yaounde and Milan, the over 30-minutes audience granted H.E Samuela Isopi provided the opportunity for both personalities to discuss Cameroon’s participation in the upcoming food fair dubbed; “Expo Milan”, to be organised by the Italian government from May 1, 2015 to end of October 2015. The Ambassador told reporters that Cameroon is among the 140 countries to take part in the fair and will have a pavilion within the cluster of cocoa.

She also revealed other programmes in the pipeline such as the Cameroon-Italy Bilateral Business Forum to be organised in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Milan on July 9, 2015 in Italy. Away from economic cooperation, Moukoko Mbonjo and Samuela Isopi also discussed the fight against terrorism and the precarious situation in the Mediterranean Sea where some African migrants drowned and hundreds of others rescued by Italian Police.

FCFA 4.4 Billion British Support To Multinational Task Force

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has announced the donation of Five Million Pounds (FCFA 4.4 Billion) to support the Multinational Joint Task Force set up by the African Union to combat the Boko Haram threat. The British High Commissioner to Cameroon, John Brian Olley revealed his country’s gesture during the audience he had with the Minister of External Relations.

While challenging other countries to make similar donations and support the rapid agreement for the UN Security Council resolution, the High Commissioner lauded the bravery and determination of Cameroonian soldiers whom he said has set a fantastic example in the world in fighting terrorism.

Israel’s Humanitarian Aid

Nadav Cohen was the last to be received last Wednesday by Minister Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo, during which he handed a correspondence from his country’s Foreign Minister and announced the Israeli embassy’s humanitarian support to the challenges Cameroon is facing in the Far North and East Regions. Though Ambassador Cohen did not disclose the amount, he said the money will help them bring some paediatricians to consult Cameroonian children and refugees and support the fight against Polio.