Yaounde: King Charles III’s birthday celebration seals UK-Cameroon friendship week.

The King’s Birthday Party capped the four-day British Week from November 17 to 20, with series of activities which held under the theme: “Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate”. 

The party drew a distinguished crowd of government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, members of the legal profession, civil society actors, as well as friends and partners of the UK. 

Among those present were the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes; the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona; and the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, the Rt Rev Miki Hans Abia; Paramount Ruler of the Bafaw and King of Kumba, HRM Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko, Senator Fon Chafah XI, the Bar Council President, Mbah Eric, was among the legal representatives at the reception.

The British High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E. Matt Woods delivered the evening’s keynote speech, before raising a toast to the King. He explained that the focus of the evening was on present‑day connections rather than past or future aspirations.

“Tonight, I want to focus on the present because tonight is about celebrating the connections and the collaboration between the United Kingdom and Cameroon,” he said.

He highlighted the diverse events of the British Week, ranging from wildlife photography to ballet, education fairs, and alumni networking. 

Woods also noted his visits to nine of Cameroon’s ten regions during his first year in office, describing encounters with individuals, contributing to bilateral ties across sectors ranging from agriculture and conservation to finance, hospitality, and the arts. 

He further shared a personal anecdote about meeting two Cameroonian brothers in Esseka who coincidentally share the same names as his two sons and grew up in the same village as him in the UK. 

The High Commissioner also acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the contributions of their sponsors and partners. He concluded his remarks with a toast to King Charles III and to all those fostering UK-Cameroon relations.

“Please join me as we toast His Majesty the King and also take a moment to toast yourselves. Long live our bilateral relations and long live the King,” Woods proclaimed.

Speaking to reporters later in the evening, Woods described the 2025 British Week as an expanded edition. “Actually, I think it is better than last year,” Woods stated.

He described the state of Cameroon-UK relations as strong, historic and very broad. Woods explained that the partnership between both nations spans government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. According to him, the bilateral relationship draws strength from people-to-people connections and long-standing cooperation. 

On migration, Woods said countries determine their own immigration systems but affirmed that legal pathways to the UK remain open. “We are delighted to see so many talented Cameroonians taking advantage of those routes,” he underscored.

Looking ahead

Quizzed on the future areas of focus, Woods stated that inclusive and sustainable economic growth remains a key priority, alongside climate initiatives and protection of the Congo Basin Forest. Educational exchange programmes were also cited as a field the UK intends to reinforce.

“…And perhaps lastly it is also important to continue to collaborate on regional security particularly in the North,” Woods stated.

British Week recap

The British Week programme showcased UK-Cameroon cooperation across climate action, education, cultural exchange, and business. It opened on November 17, with Climate Day, featuring a wildlife photography exhibition on biodiversity and environmental collaboration. 

Education Day followed with sessions on UK qualifications and study opportunities. The day ended with a reception that brought together UK alumni based in Cameroon. Cultural Evening on November 19, featured a black-tie performance that reinterpreted a UK ballet with Cameroonian artistic input. The week concluded on November 20 with the King’s Birthday Party.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3635 of Monday November 24, 2025