Cameroon and France share time memorial relations with history binding them together. Beyond the common French language both countries speak, the two nations cooperate in several domains which span through security, economic/sustainable development, education, health, research, environmental protection and culture.
Yesterday March 5, 2020, the President of the Republic, Paul Biya granted an audience to the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Christophe Guilhou during which both personalities according to a press statement by the French Ambassador had an extensive exchange on three main topics. The French diplomat said they discussed the internal political situation of Cameroon, bilateral relations between Cameroon-France, and the next France-Africa Summit. The audience at the Unity Palace was therefore to rekindle the already existing progressive ties between Yaounde and Paris which Ambassador Christophe Guilhou said have been rich and substantive over the years with both States having meaningful discussions in case of any differences. Christophe Guilhou was lastly received in audience by the President of the Republic on Tuesday December 10, 2019 in the course of which the French diplomat was bearer of a sealed message from President Macron.
On cooperation basis, several accords have been signed in several areas of common interest. In December 2019, two recent cooperation agreements were signed within the framework of reinforcing the rich diversified bilateral ties. The first agreement which amounted to 100 million Euros (FCFA 65 billion) seeks at enabling Cameroon continue with the implementation of the economic and financial programme the country signed in June 2017 with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the stabilization of the CEMAC zone. The second agreement in line with the third phase of the French Debt-Reduction Development Contract (C2D) which amounted to FCFA 655 million pursues the rehabilitation and modernisation of the National Museum.
In the fight against Boko Haram and other security challenges, military intelligence is constantly shared for the attainment of peace. French assistance further extends to training institutions notably the International School for Security Forces (EIFORCES), the International War College in Simbok-Yaounde and the Garoua Regional Airforce School.
France through the French Development Agency has provided basic amenities such as water and electricity to several communities in the country. French companies in the country contribute to direct and indirect employment with the second bridge over the Wouri in Douala, Littoral Region having been constructed with financial assistance from France.