Being President Biya’s response to a toast proposed by
Nigerian President Buhari, at the state dinner offered in honour of the
Cameroon president and his wife during their two-day state visit to Abuja, on 3
and 4 May 2016
Mr President, Dear Brother,
Mrs AISHA BUHARI,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to be in your capital city
Abuja, whose charm and beauty always strike a visitor. And I have personally
noticed on every visit, that the city is in a state of flux.
Also,
I would like to thank you for the exceptional welcome accorded me, my wife and
my delegation upon my arrival in your great country. I do appreciate it.
I would be tempted to say it bears the
hallmarks of the legendary hospitality of the Nigerian people.
Mr President, Dear Brother,
My
visit follows that which you made to
Yaounde last year, a visit which definitely marked a turning point in our
relations. Henceforth, there will be a pre- and a post-July 2015 in the history
of Nigeria - Cameroon relations.
We
have observed that we have a lot in common and that there is a wide array of
cooperation opportunities between our two countries. But above all, we have
noted that we have a common enemy. Of course, I am referring to Boko Haram,
whose obscurantist goals and barbaric methods run counter to the aspirations of
our peoples.
What
our peoples really desire is development which will bring about an improvement
in their living conditions and a society of peace, prosperity and fraternity.
Having to face a common threat has undoubtedly been a driving force behind the
rapprochement and understanding between Nigeria and Cameroon, such as the
brotherly cooperation between our armies.
In
the meantime, the offensives launched by the Nigerian Army against Boko Haram
positions have, as you said, “technically” neutralized the terrorist
organization, while the forces of the other countries of the Lake Chad Basin
Commission (including Cameroon) have been harassing the terrorist groups that
have retreated to the border areas. I wish at this point to congratulate the
defence and security forces of all our countries and the Multinational Joint
Task Force on their vigilance and efficiency.
There
is now reason to hope that very soon, Boko Haram which has been severely
weakened, will no longer have its disruptive capacity.
Also,
I would like to express my sympathy for the numerous victims of the suicide
attacks perpetrated by the terrorist organization in Nigeria, as well as my
wish to see the young Chibok girls freed soon.
Right
away, I would like to hail the measures thus far taken, on your initiative, to
restore public authority in the areas that have been seized back, and to ease
the resettlement of displaced persons. Rest assured, Mr President and Dear
Brother, that Cameroon will continue to provide all the necessary assistance to
your compatriots who were compelled to flee combat zones. Incidentally, that is
just another good turn for your country’s hospitality to Cameroonians who have
chosen to live in Nigeria.
In
due time, we should, each country on its own and collectively, draw the lessons
learnt from the Boko Haram episode.
I
believe once the terrorist phenomenon is eradicated, it will be in the interest
of Lake Chad area countries, notably Nigeria and Cameroon, to consult with one
another to prevent its resurgence. Of course, the idea will be to come up with
common military and security measures, but also other measures likely to
accelerate development in the regions concerned. We are indeed aware that
under-development, poverty and ignorance, are fertile ground for activities of
terrorist movements such as Boko Haram.
That
is why, Mr President, Dear Brother, I believe it would be worthwhile, for
starters, to design joint development projects in our border areas which are
sometimes neglected. Using the resources they have, agricultural and
infrastructure projects could be considered jointly. To that end, we need to
link our road networks (that is ongoing), provide electricity (which Cameroon
will be able to do in the medium term) and provide social facilities in those
areas.
I
am referring particularly to areas that have been devastated by Boko Haram and
where displaced people will have to be resettled.
Pending
that, I believe we should do all we can to strengthen and diversify our
cooperation ties. In this regard, between us there are various agreements whose
implementation would yield positive outcomes for our two countries.
The
next session of our Joint Commission could afford us the opportunity of
reinvigorating our cooperation ties in some areas.
Similarly, it would be necessary for the
Mixed Commission tasked with demarcating our common border to complete its
work, and for the framework agreement on crossborder cooperation on
hydrocarbons to be finalized.
But
I am convinced that we need to aim higher and see farther.
Overall,
I believe the economic relations between our two countries are far from having
reached their full potential. There will be a need for consultations in this
regard between us at the level of government bodies and professional
associations. Business forums could also be held in each of our countries to
showcase available opportunities to investors.
Mr President, Dear Brother,
We
are at the beginning of a new era in the relations between our two countries.
This to me is confirmed by our discussions of today and the signing of
agreements that ensued. I feel elated. I
sincerely believe that this development does not only serve the interests of
both governments, but also fulfils the wishes of the Nigerian and Cameroonian
peoples. Hence, I have no doubt that this road which we will be travelling
together will lead to success.
Thank
you Ladies and Gentlemen and I wish that solidarity and fraternity between
Cameroon and Nigeria will continue to go from strength to strength.
Visit of H.E. Paul BIYA to Nigeria:
Joint Communiqué
Following the Friendly and State Visit of
His Excellency, MuhammaduBuhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
to the Republic of Cameroon from 29-30 July, 2015 and the acceptance of the
invitation of his Nigerian counterpart, His Excellency, Mr. Paul Biya,
President of the Republic of Cameroon paid a State Visit to the Federal
Republic of Nigeria from 3 - 4 May, 2016. His Excellency was accompanied by his
wife, Madam Chantal Biya and a delegation of top Government officials.
2. The Visit falls within the context of
strengthening the already existing excellent historical relations of
friendship, brotherhood and good neighborliness between Cameroon and Nigeria
.
3. On arrival at the Dr. NnamdiAzikiwe
International Airport, Abuja, His Excellency, Mr. Paul Biya, President of the
Republic of Cameroon was received by His Excellency, the Vice President of
Nigeria, ProfessorYemiOsinbajo.
4. The Minister of the Federal Capital
Territory presented the key of the city of Abuja to His Excellency, Mr. Paul
Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon as a gesture of warm welcome to the
city.
5. On his personal behalf and that of the
Government and people of Nigeria, His Excellency, MuhammaduBuhari, President of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, received his counterpart at the forecourt of
the State House, amidst a colorful ceremony that included the inspection of
Guard of Honor and a 21-Gun Salute.
6. The two Presidents held one-on-one
discussions in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherliness on a wide range of
Bilateral, Regional and International issues and received the report of the
Bilateral meeting of Top officials of the two countries.
7. On security issues, the two Presidents
noted with satisfaction the successes achieved so far on the fight against the
Boko Haram insurgency and condemned the murderous activities perpetrated by the
group in the two countries and the other countries in the Lake Chad Basin.
8. The two Presidents commended the efforts
of both the Cameroonian and Nigerian military under the Multi-National Joint Task
Force, especially the two recent successful joint operations conducted in
Ngoshe and Kumshe, both within Nigerian territory and the ongoing clearance
operations being carried out by militaries of both countries to bring the
activities of the terrorists to an end.
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