The President of the Republic His Excellency Paul BIYA granted audience on Wednesday 6 January 2015 to the French Chief of the Defence Staff, Army General Pierre de VILLIERS, for discussions on the fight against the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Speaking to the press shortly after the audience with the Head of State that lasted over one hour, the top French military officer said that Cameroon is a very important partner in the fight against terrorism and hence his presence in Cameroon for concertation with the Head of State and other personalities.

In the course of the audience, President Paul BIYA raised General de VILLIERS to the rank of Officer of the National Order of Valour, a decoration which is testimony of the high level of friendship and trust between Cameroon and France. There was also an exchange of gifts to further solidify the fraternal relationship.

General Pierre de VILLIERS was accompanied to the audience at Unity Palace by the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Christine ROBICHON; the Commander of the French soldiers in Gabon, Brigadier General Vincent GUIONIE; and the Diplomatic Adviser, Jean Marie MAGNIEN.