Cameroon-EU Structured Political Dialogue: Experts brainstorm on regional security, economic resilience.

This was the focus of the Structured Political Dialogue between both parties, which held yesterday June 13 in Yaounde. The meeting held at the Ministry of External Relations, MINREX.

It was jointly presided over by External Relations Minister, H.E Mbella Mbella and Head of the European Union delegation to Cameroon, Ambassador Philippe Van Damme. The meeting was an opportunity for Cameroon and the EU to discuss issues ranging from political to economic, social and environmental issues.

Deliberations during the Structured Political Dialogue focused on regional security and humanitarian challenges in Sudan, Lake Chad Basin, Gulf of Guinea, Central African Republic, CAR, and Senegal.

Issues relating to governance, economic resilience, access to finance, economic partnership agreement and impact amongst others, were also brought to the fore. 

In his speech, Minister Mbella Mbella said the consultation meeting was held at a time when Cameroon, like other nations, continues to grapple with the effects of the war in Ukraine and COVID-19 pandemic. He said the meeting is crucial and offers an opportunity to reflect on topics of common interest.

The member of government said Cameroon remains a safe haven in the Centre African sub region which enjoys relative peace and stability. He said they have a key role to play in ensuring that its bordered neighbours do the same.

“This session of our dialogue is held in a context marked at the international front by the persisting war in Eastern Europe which has caused a rise in energy crisis unprecedented since the 1970’s. It has led to high inflation in the prices of products. There is also the decision of the World Health Organisation, WHO. Nonetheless, it is important to continue to be on the watch because the pandemic is still a global threat,” Mbella Mbella said.

Speaking earlier, the Head of the EU delegation to Cameroon, Philippe Van Damme, said it was a moment for them to rethink their strategy in combating issues like food insecurity amongst other challenges.

It should be recalled that cooperation between Cameroon and the European Union can be traced as far back as 2003 by the regular holding of Structured Political Dialogue sessions. The last session was held on July 8, 2022. 

Discussions focused on issues of peace, security and disinformation, including cyber security, and on Cameroon-European Union cooperation in the field of migration and the environment, Cooperation in the field of migration and mobility.

Over the years, they have been able to mobilise several technical Administrations and increased the number of frank and constructive exchanges between the two Parties. The Cameroon-European Union Structured Political Dialogue has become a model of cooperation and sharing. 

This year’s session was attended by some members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of over a score of ministries. At the end of the session, the two parties will be able to share and harmonise their views on these issues.