Yaounde will host a summit of African Heads of State and Government on maritime security and armed banditry in the Gulf of Guinea on June 24-25, 2013.

"I am satisfied with the state of security measures and air transport infrastructure in Douala 14 months after we examined this very important structure." This was the impression of the Minister of Transport, Robert Nkili, after a guided tour of the Airport in Douala Monday, June 9, 2013.

The visit falls in line with preparations towards the summit of Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEMAC), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Gulf of Guinea Commission, as well as international experts in Yaounde on June 24-25, 2013. The august participants are expected to examine off coast security concerns and maritime piracy across the regions.

Host country, Cameroon, has boosts security measures around its airports and installed various equipment necessary for reception of the guests, through its national Committee charged with organising the event set up last April.

The minister, who was at the airport on the instructions of the Head of State, disclosed that the international airport is set for the reception and security of the visitors. Among the innovations is the equipping of the video surveillance room. Besides, other new and efficient security installations are in place and the lodge is ready to receive visitors for the summit.

Speaking during a meeting with airport officials shortly before the guided tour, Minister Nkili underscored the importance of the summit as an opportunity for Cameroon to reconfirm its legendary hospitality. He called on all stakeholders to ensure vigilance, professionalism and responsibility of all stakeholders, noting that error will be prejudicial to the image of the country. Security and welcome, he stressed, if well coordinated will record a true diplomatic success for the country and strengthen its legendary reputation as a hospitable nation.