President Paul Biya and his august guest arrived at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel amidst thunderous applause and sounds of drums from the crowd.

It was exactly 1p.m that the Presidential Limousine carrying the President of the Republic of Cameroon and the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on a State visit to Cameroon, arrived at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel from the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport.

The thunderous applause, shouts of joy and sounds of drums produced by cultural dance groups, INJS students and supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party even became louder as they welcomed the two Heads of State at the five-star hotel, situated at the heart of the capital city. The air was immediately filled with the national colours of both countries as the impressive crowd waved flags gently in the airy sunny atmosphere directly opposite the entrance to Hilton hotel.

As Presidents Paul Biya and Sergio Mattarella alighted from the Mercedes Benz S 600, they were received by the Director of the hotel and with the assistance of the two State Protocol officers, both leaders walked on a red carpet into the hotel where the Italian President will lodge during his stay in Cameroon.  At the lobby of the hotel, were some Italian and Cameroonian economic operators who were filled with excitement and applauded as the two Heads of State walked in.

The excitement reached its climax when President Paul Biya’s motorcade drove slowly pass the crowd with the President waving the population as he drove back to the Unity Palace a few minutes later. The drums and the chanting became louder while fabulous steps from the dance groups representing different regions of the country were showcased amidst messages of support and goodwill brandished on placards and banners carried by various groups.