Several high-points marked the State House ceremony yesterday January 13, 2011 when the visiting Vice Prime Minister of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China arrived at the Presidency for talks with President Paul Biya. As from 10:55 a.m. when the Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu arrived at the Unity Palace until 2:15p.m. that he departed with his delegation, there was much to celebrate on both sides.
It emerged from the toasts by both President Paul Biya and Vice Premier Hui Liangyu that the 40 years of Sino-Cameroon cooperation being commemorated this year has grown by leaps and bounds. President Biya pointed out that China as a major partner in the development of Cameroon was fast becoming a strategic contributor in enabling the country meet her objectives. Mr Biya cited projects such as the Kribi Deep Sea Port and others that are ready to take off in Cameroon with heavy Chinese backing.
While lauding the role Cameroon plays in sub-regional stability and peace within the continent, the Vice Chinese Premier expressed optimism of Cameroon becoming a great nation under the leadership of President Paul Biya. Hui Liangyu appreciated the convergence of Sino-Cameroon positions in several world meetings saying such relations will keep growing deeper.
Prior to the state lunch offered by President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya to the visiting Chinese vice Prime Minister and his delegation, the Head of State and his entourage had a one-hour audience with Hui Liangyu. Several concerns filtered out of the discussions. As both leaders took turns to hail the “win win” Sino-Cameroon relations, Mr Biya qualified China as a development model for Cameroon, saying Chinese esteem for Africa in general has helped tremendously in shaping the way other powers view the continent. President Biya thanked China for helping in this change of attitude. He expressed the wish to see China play a central role in contributing to Cameroon’s determination in being a major food producing country.
Vice Premier, Hui Liangyu, on his part said China having known underdevelopment, stood a better chance of understanding the problems faced by African countries. Hui Liangyu promised to faithfully recount how meaningful his Cameroonian stopover, in the current African tour, has been.
Besides the exchange of gifts by both leaders, President Paul Biya raised the Chinese Vice Premier to the Dignity of the Grand Order of Valour.
