On September 4 2024, Cameroonian President Paul Biya met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The two Heads of State formalised the elevation of bilateral relations to the status of comprehensive strategic partnership.
On the sidelines of the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Cameroon’s Paul Biya met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday 4 September 2024. The meeting marked a significant turning point in relations between the two nations. The two Heads of State officially announced the elevation of Sino- Cameroonian cooperation to the rank of global strategic partnership, thus strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties that have united Cameroon and China since 1971.
“First of all, I would like to thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality that the Chinese authorities and people have extended to me, my wife and the delegation that has accompanied me since our arrival in your beautiful and great country. I would also like to express our gratitude for the seven bilateral meetings that have given us the opportunity to discuss our main joint issues and projects.”
PAUL BIYA, President of the Republic – Cameroon
Xi Jinping praised the steadfastness of Paul Biya, who has attended all previous editions of the FOCAC summit, underlining the importance Cameroon’s president attaches to Sino-African friendship. He reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Cameroon in its efforts to maintain national unity, ethnic solidarity and the fight against terrorism. The comprehensive strategic partnership is part of a shared vision of peace and development, aimed at bringing mutual benefits to both countries.
“Cameroon’s participation in the fourth summit of the Forum on Sino African Cooperation is in keeping with the long tradition of excellent relations between our two countries. Cooperation between the Republic of Cameroon and the People’s Republic of China, as well as the ever-growing friendship between our peoples and our partnership have reached a high level that we hope will be strategic.”
PAUL BIYA, President of the Republic – Cameroon
Relations between China and Cameroon, established more than 50 years ago, have been marked by cooperation in various sectors, notably infrastructure, health and education. This new comprehensive strategic partnership strengthens these achievements and paves the way for even closer collaboration. Cameroon is set to benefit from China’s technical expertise as it implements key projects. With trade estimated at CFAF 1,178.1 billion in 2023, China is Cameroon’s leading supplier, with a market share of 18.9%, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
