Yaounde-Paris military cooperation: Biya knights outgoing French Defence Attaché, four other officers.

The medals were awarded the French soldiers through separate decrees signed by the Head of State, last March 31. The medals are in recognition of their services to the country. 

The recipients were decorated on behalf of the Head of State by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo.

This was during a colourful ceremony that took place at the Ministry of Defence, Friday July 14. The event, in strict respect of military rituals, coincided with the French National Day. 

It unfolded in the presence of the French Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Thierry Marchand, and top brass of the military. The outgoing French Defence Attaché, Colonel Thierry Chipot, was decorated with the medal of Knight of the Order of Valour.

Four other officers of the French military cooperation, who have come to the end of their mission in the country; Colonel Delawarde Roland (Navy Commander), Lamour De Caslou Thierry (Senior Warrant Officer), Avignon Jacky and Warrant Officer, Gaveau Anthony, were each decorated with the medal of Knight of the Cameroon Order of Merit. 

Speaking at the ceremony, the French Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Thierry Marchand, hailed the quality of bilateral military cooperation existing between Cameroon and France.

The diplomat said military cooperation between both friendly countries are old, performant and dynamic. 

Ambassador Thierry Marchand harped on the need for existing military cooperation to further be deepened and broadened, based on innovative solutions and on mutual respect as agreed by the two Heads of State. 

For his part, Minister Joseph Beti Assomo, on behalf of the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, thanked the decorated officers for their outstanding services rendered during their stay in the country.

He saluted the human and professional qualities of the French officers, noting that they individually played key roles to reinforce military cooperation between both nations and enhance the quality of training at the Yaounde International War College. 

The Minister said thanks to the efforts of the outgoing French Defence Attaché, Colonel Thierry Chipot, bilateral military cooperation has further been consolidated with other avenues of cooperation envisaged as was agreed by both Heads of State last year, during the memorable and historic visit of the French President to Cameroon. 

The Minister added that through his efforts, some Cameroonian officers will benefit training at the prestigious Paris War College. 

Minister Beti Assomo saluted Col. Delawarde Roland for demonstrating rare team spirit with his colleagues and other Cameroonian officers, to rigorously train Cameroonian soldiers and those from other African countries and other continents at the Yaounde International War College. 

The Minister appreciated Navy Commander, Lamour De Caslou Thierry, for contributing immensely to reinforce cooperation between the Cameroon Navy and French Navy among other things, during his mission.

He also hailed Senior Warrant Officer, Avignon Jacky and Warrant Officer, Gaveau Anthony, for living up to expectations during their mission and for contributing in solidifying Cameroon-France military ties.