Parfum de Montreux

Le sommet de Montreux a permis au président Paul Biya de donner la mesure de sa dimension de grand homme d’Etat.

After creating new contacts, discovering the beauty of the Swiss land and participating in important discussions at the 13th Francophonie Summit, Cameroon’s First Couple has returned home. The First Lady’s time in Montreux, Switzerland for the 13th Francophonie Summit was busy and worthwhile. The cold and drizzling weather did not keep her indoors from enjoying the comfort of Le Montreux Palace Hotel which overlooks the Swiss Alps, located along the shores of the elegant Lake Geneva (Lake Leman). Chantal Biya as usual, stepped out with other first ladies who were present for the 13th Francophonie Summit to explore the palm-clad town of Montreux which is identified for its luxury retirement homes and known worldwide for its jazz festival.

It was on an 18th Century boat, “Le Suisse” that Mrs Chantal Biya and a host of other First Spouses toured Lake Geneva Region, discovering new sites from the lakeside village of Vevey to high alpine stations, Jura Mountains to the tranquil countryside while passing through the vineyards of Lavaux. The over-five-hour excursion of First Spouses was organised by the general secretariat of Francophonie. Passing through the vineyard terraces of Lavaux, the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion came face to face with the wonders the hand of man can do in shaping a landscape that has entered the UNESCO golden book. Lavaux is referred to as the “hand of man” and a place of inspiration and haven for many artists, such as William Turner, Oskar Kokoschka and Charlie Chaplin. Chantal Biya too has definitely gained inspiration in the humanitarian crusade she is spearheading. Mrs Biya also had another interesting time at a wine factory at “Domain des Faverges” at Chexbres which is also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in the Lavaux Region.

Cameroon’s First Lady almost stole the show at the unfolding of events in Montreux. At each point, camera men, photographers as well as owners of mobile telephones with inbuilt cameras reached out to take snapshots of her. The First Lady used her time in Montreux as a forum to expand her links especially in the humanitarian sphere, a domain which is close to her heart. There is certainly no doubt as to why during the summit, Chantal Biya was seen having an informal one-on-one talk with other delegates attending the summit.

NDZINGA AMOUGOU