Minister Pierre Moukoko yesterday received the advance copy of the letters of credence.

The new Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Cameroon with residence in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Daniel Josué Cartaya Laya, yesterday April 10, 2012 in Yaounde handed over an advance copy of his letters of credence to Cameroon’s Minister of External Relations, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo.

Daniel Josué Cartaya Laya and Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo discussed cooperation with emphasis on strengthening socio-economic and political ties. The opening of a Venezuelan consulate in Cameroon was one of their concerns while in the education, tourism and cultural sectors, both countries agreed to open up avenues for better cooperation. The reinforcement of economic ties especially in the energy sector and the sharing of experiences in the fight against poverty, were also on the menu.

Though relations between both countries in the economic sphere are still in limbo, both officials are hopeful about the future. In 1995/1996, Cameroon’s exports to Venezuela were worth FCFA 62 billion against FCFA 3 billion in imports. Exports later increased to FCFA 207 billion against FCFA 68 billion in imports in 1996/1997. Today, both countries want to redouble efforts in boosting investments.

Daniel Josué Cartaya Laya has since 2011 been Ambassador to the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. From 2010 to 2011, he was Minister Chargé D’affaire to Equatorial Guinea.

Caracas and Yaounde established bilateral ties way back in 1990 and on June 25, 1991, both countries formalised diplomatic ties with the dispatching of José Rondon Uzcattegui as first Ambassador (Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary) to Cameroon with residence in Lagos, Nigeria.