The President of the Republic of Cameroon, His Excellency Paul BIYA and First Lady Chantal BIYA were special guests at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Monday 20 March 2017. President Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic, welcomed the Presidential Couple at the majestic courtyard of the historic building, to kick-start the two-day State visit.
After the national anthems of both countries were played, H.E. Paul BIYA walked through a special guard of honour, which included a Calvary.
This was followed by two important photographs at the Bronzino Room. Both Presidents had a handshake in front of their respective flags. They were joined by Mrs. Chantal BIYA and Laura MATTARELLA, the daughter of the Italian President. The Cameroonian and Italian leaders also greeted dignitaries from both countries.
The Head of State was led by his host to the Hall of Tapestries, where they had a 45-minute in camera tête-à-tête. It was thereafter that an enlarged group met to deliberate on the pathways to stimulate cooperation between Cameroon and Italy.
Both leaders later briefed journalists on the major highlights of their meeting. President Sergio MATTARELLA said Italy and Cameroon have an excellent relationship with shared views on immigration and terrorism.
On his part, President Paul BIYA enlisted a range of issues that were discussed. He mentioned the fight against Boko Haram and appreciated the Italian Government’s support to suppress the terrorist group.
The search for solutions on the social tensions in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon interested both leaders. The Head of State told President Sergio MATTARELLA that Cameroonians, in their diversity, generally love to live in unity, as proscribed by the Constitution. Thus, he emphasised on the Government’s readiness for constructive dialogue.
He also reiterated the necessity to readapt the UN Security Council to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Other topics discussed were: climate change; Italy’s engagement in Africa; migration; education; and economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Laura MATTARELLA led First Lady Chantal BIYA on a guided tour of the Quirinal Palace. This was an opportunity for the President’s wife to witness the marvels of the Italian history and culture.
The Presidential Couple left the Quirinal Palace in the afternoon and moved to the City Council of Rome, where they laid a wreath at the Monument of Italian Martyrs.
H.E. Paul BIYA equally visited three important institutions. He made stopovers at: the Palazzo Chigi, office of the Italian Prime Minister; the Palazzo Madama, seat of the Italian Senate; and the Palazzo Montecitorio, seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. The Head of State was received at these sites by Mr. Paolo GENTILONI, Mr. Pietro GRASSO, and Mrs. Laura BOLDRINI respectively.
Day one of the State visit to Italy ended with a State diner offered by President Sergio MATTARELLA and Laura MATTARELLA at the Presidential Palace. The Glorious Voices, a choir from the University of Yaounde I, graced the occasion with a performance at the Pauline Chapel.
