Cameroon and E.U. officials yesterday discussed governance, security and decentralization.

The head of the European Union Delegation to Cameroon, Raul Mateus Paula has lauded security efforts made by the Cameroon government, citing religious tolerance as well as progress in governance reforms with focus on human rights, environmental protection and the extractive industries sector.

He was speaking in Yaounde yesterday, November 14, 2012 at the end of the second session of the annual structured political dialogue between Cameroon and the European Union. Ambassador Raul Mateus Paula led the European Union delegation to the dialogue while External Relations Minister, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo led that of the Cameroon government. Topic discussed ranged from security in the Gulf of Guinea and Sahel, decentralization in Cameroon and the assessment of the implementation of governance reforms.

The EU delegation leader talking to the press, said with regards to good governance reforms, they exchanged on issues related to justice, human rights, freedom of expression, public finance and the protection of natural resources. He expressed satisfaction with progress made in natural resources management, though harping on the need to step up the fight against poaching. In the extractive industries sector, he also noted with delight Cameroon’s admission into the Kimberly Process, while praising religious tolerance between Christians and Muslims in a region torn apart by religious differences.

Minister Moukoko Mbonjo described their exchanges as fruitful. He said much has been achieved, much still remains to be achieved and expressed optimism of continuous improvements.