Tunisian Ambassador Lauds Revolution's Strides

The Tunisian Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Abderrazak Landoulsi, has noted with pride the progress made by his country since the 2011 Revolution that brought down the regime of Ben Ali.

Speaking at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel at a reception he hosted to mark 58 years of Tunisia's independence, he noted that his country where the Arab Spring began in 2011 had now gone past what he described as "the danger zone." According to him, efforts at leading the country to a democratic future include the recent adoption of a new liberal constitution that provides equal rights to women.

Similarly, a new consensus government made up of technocrats is in place, the state of emergency declared in 2011 has now been lifted and presidential polls are scheduled before the end of the year. In spite of these strides, the Ambassador noted, the country is now faced with a new wave of terrorist attacks. He however expressed hope that with the assistance of the international community, the challenge will soon be overcome.

On relations with Cameroon, the diplomat was also hopeful that last month's visit of a trade mission from Tunisia to Cameroon will help to boost ties between the two countries. He said he was looking forward to the signing of a preferential trade agreement with Cameroon in the near future. His Excellency Landoulsi was full of praise for Cameroon's recent celebration of 50 years of its reunification, adding that under the able leadership of President Paul Biya, the country initiated some major infrastructure projects in 2013.

The Ministry of External Relations was represented at the event by Joseph Dion Ngute, the Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth. Other Cameroonian dignitaries present at the function included the Vice Prime Minister, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Relations with the Assemblies, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Minister of Communication, Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Finance and Gregoire Owona, Minister of Labour and Social Security.