The Turkish Presidency today was dressed in the colours of Cameroon and Turkey as President Abdullah GÜL received the President of the Republic His Excellency Paul BIYA and Madame Chantal BIYA at the beginning of the state visit to Turkey
The motorcade of the Head of State entered the Turkish Presidency at 10.45 am precisely. President Abdullah GUL and his wife were on hand to welcome President Paul BIYA and his wife. The two Heads of State got unto the podium for the execution of the National Anthems, first that of Cameroon and then that of Turkey. All this while, the ceremony was punctuated with the thunder ball of the twenty one gun salute. Then President Paul BIYA inspected a guard of honour mounted specially for the occasion, with the greeting ‘Good day soldier’ in Turkish. After greeting a group of constituted officials, the two Presidents and their spouses stood for a family picture at the entrance into the Presidential office.
The two Heads of State had closed door discussions before a ceremony in which seven cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries in the domains of mines, hydrocarbons, diplomacy, communication and defence. President Abdullah GUL brief remarks in which he hailed the strong cooperation ties between the two countries, revealing that commercial links have grown by 75% between the two countries following his visit to Cameroon in 2010. President Paul BIYA for his part said that Cameroon is in the process of modernisation as the policy of Greater Accomplishments is being implemented with giant projects in infrastructure, energy, mines, agriculture, etc. He invited Turkey to join Cameroon in this win- win endeavour.
After the action packed morning in the Presidency, President Paul BIYA paid courtesy call on the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Honourable CEMIL CICEK, where both officials reiterated their desire to strengthen cooperation ties between the two countries. President Paul BIYA extended an invitation for him to visit Cameroon.
The Head of State equally had audience with the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Recep TAYYIP ERDOGAN, and both leaders once showed their determination to foster stronger cooperation ties between the two countries.
The visit continued at the OSTIN industrial zone where the Head of State was received by the business community in Ankara. A projection on the activities and prospects of the industrial zone was a take off point for discussions between the President and his hosts.
Earlier in the morning, President Paul BIYA had visit the mausoleum of MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATURK, FOUNDER OF THE MODERN Turkish Republic. He laid a wreath of flowers on his tomb as a sign of reverence to the late stateman.
The Presidential Couple ended the day with banquet offered at the Presidency in their honour. In their toasts, the President once again spelt out their appreciation for the efforts and attention that is paid on both sides to ensure the growth of strong economic, social and cultural links between Cameroon and Turkey.
