The Head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA has called on Parliamentarians from the African Region of the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly to support their respective countries in the fight against poverty and deprivation. President Paul BIYA made the remarks following an audience granted to a delegation of the Francophonie Parliamentarians at Unity Palace on Friday 10 May 2013

The delegation was led by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon, Honourable CAVAYE YEGUIE DJIBRIL, and consisted of the Speakers of Benin, Gabon, Chad and CEMAC, as well as 17 other members.

The Head of State in his statement said that he was aware of the importance of their meeting taking place in Yaoundé, seen that several African countries are facing crises. He said they should use their meeting to improve on the plight of women, youths and other social categories in Africa.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Gabon, Honourable GUY NZOUBA NDAMA, thanked President Paul BIYA for taking off time from his charged schedule to receive them. He pointed that the parliamentary diplomacy which they carry out is not in competition with the diplomacy of their respective countries, but is rather complementary, so as to make their countries move forward in harmony. 

Warmth and friendship characterised the occasion as the Head of State took turns to chat with the various Parliamentarians and to give them a feel of intimacy and understanding.