Four new ambassadors posted to Cameroon

Newly appointed ambassadors of Algeria, Merzak Bedjaoui, Tunisia, Jalel Snoussi, Japan, Kunio Okamura and Spain, Jorge De Orueta Pemartín, as a ritual presented their credentials to President Paul Biya at the Unity Palace of Unity.

On the occasion, the Civil Cabinet received them with the highest honour marked by a red carpet reception. For the head of the State Protocol, Simon Peter Bikelé, the reception was required. The hosts led the diplomats and ambassadors to the living room on the third floor of the Unity Palace with military music by the Presidential Guard (Gp).

Under the command of Battalion Chief Eric Stephane Mbomback Bondo, the Gp deployed the flag of the Republic and the guard accompanied by music in honour.

The honour was made at the beginning and end of the ceremony which began with the arrival of the ambassadors by playing the national anthem of Cameroon and at their departure, the national anthem of their countries.

Facing the President, the ritual was especially significant starting with the Algerian diplomat Merzak Bedjaoui, reciting the classic statement: "Your Excellency, the President of the Republic, I have the honor to present you, together with the letters recalling my predecessor, which HE Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika accredits me to you as Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary."

He advances to the President with the document and a handshake. President Paul Biya then presents to his guest his close associates present: the Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, the Director of the Civil Cabinet, Martin Belinga Eboutou, the Chief particular Staff, General Air Commodore Emmanuel Amougou, the commander of the Presidential Guard, Lt. Col. Jean Charles Beko'o Abondo.

The Head of State then received in audience the new ambassador, after presenting the employees. The same ritual was held thereafter for the three other new heads of diplomatic representation: (Tunisia); (Japan) (Spain).