The outgoing Ambassador of Italy to Cameroon yesterday had discussions with Prime Minister Philemon Yang.

The outgoing Ambassador of Italy to Cameroon, Stefano Pontesilli has proposed the creation of the Cameroon-Italy Joint Commission to foster State-to-State cooperation in diverse areas. He was speaking at the Star Building in Yaounde, yesterday, June 4, 2014 after a farewell audience with Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang.

Talking about the balance sheet of his activities in Cameroon after the four-year stay in the country, he said it was fruitful and positive. He single out cooperation ties established in many areas such as  the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises between the two countries, medical field with institutions such as the Chantal Biya International Research Centre in Yaounde and Shisong Cardiac Hospital, cooperation between universities and ministries.

He said his tenure was during the difficult economic crisis in Europe that compelled the government to reduce its assistance through direct involvement in infrastructural development projects. The crisis, he said, were almost over. “I will advise my predecessor that it is time to get down at government level around the table to decide new infrastructural projects that can be financed by the Italian Cooperation.” He recommended the creation of the Joint Commission between the two governments to define the key areas of cooperation.

Ambassador Stefano Pontesilli leaves Cameroon for Eritrea. He said Cameroon is one of the most beautiful countries he had ever been to. He will forever remember the country as his two children were born in Cameroon. Before the audience with the Prime Minister, the outgoing Italian Ambassador had discussions with the Minister of External Relations, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo on June 3, 2014.