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China, Cameroon's "Reliable Friend", Says Ambassador
Calling China a "reliable friend," Cameroon's ambassador to China Eleih-Elle Etian voiced his hope that the two countries can continuously strengthen governmental dialogues on bilateral cooperation in politics, economy and culture.
The ambassador made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua recently upon the upcoming 30th anniversary of Sino-Cameroonian diplomatic ties which falls on March 26.
Etian noted that even before the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1971, they had had non-governmental contacts.
After the two sovereign states established diplomatic relations, they have enhanced exchanges and reciprocal cooperation, and enjoyed consensus on many international issues, added the diplomat.
In the last 30 years, Etian said, leaders of the two countries met on many occasions, and the two countries carried out cooperation in education and health, as well as a number of major projects.
Meanwhile, there were constant trade exchanges between the two sides with Cameroon importing textiles, metals, chemicals and medical products from China, and exporting cotton and timber, continued Etian.
"We are fully confident in the prospects of increasing bilateral trade," he said.
Pointing out that bilateral cooperation is still lagging far behind expectations and so far there are not large-scale joint ventures, he said he believes that Cameroon and China can conduct cooperation in the private sector.
Etian noted that during the Forum on Sino-African Cooperation convened here in October last year, Cameroon expressed a friendly welcome to Chinese private investment in jointly exploring profitable projects.
Etian took office as Cameroon's ambassador to China in 1989.
As a "witness," he said he is honored to experience China's remarkable economic and social progress such as China's achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, science and technology, and information.
He went on to say that Chinese cities have taken on a new look, and the development of China's western areas will establish the country as a model of a sustained development.
While experiencing great changes in opening-up and modernization in such a short period of time, China has well reserved its culture and merits, Etian stressed, saying that this is worth pointing out in particular.
As an "old friend of the Chinese people," he expressed his congratulations on China's progress.
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