Cameroon and other countries belonging to the Gentlemen’s Club on March 11 celebrated the 2019 edition of the Commonwealth Day, with activities revolving around nurturing connections for shared prosperity. In Cameroon, the Ministry of External Relations for the last two weeks organised a series of activities which highlighted and promoted core values of the Commonwealth.

Celebrated under the theme: “A Connected Commonwealth”, the day’s event witnessed a speech by the Mi nister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu, in the presence of the Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, and attended by government officials, Commonwealth High Commissioners accredited to Cameroon and civil society organisations.

In his event’s commemorative speech, Minister Mbayu highlighted the cherished connections between Cameroon and the Commonwealth. “This valued partnership has supported our determination to build a nation with strong democratic institu tions and in which the rule of law prevails. Elections Cameroon, for example, was set up with the support of the Commonwealth, which also provided capacity building to its staff,” he stated. On his part, Minister Mbella Mbella in his welcome address noted that they were celebrating unity in diversity as indicated by this year’s theme.

He noted that cooperation ties between Cameroon and the Commonwealth have grown from strength to strength since 1995 with Cameroon gaining expertise in governance, gender equality and countering violent extremism. The Queen’s message was read and prizes awarded to outstanding Cameroonians who distinguished themselves in various disciplines.