Cameroon, France review cultural ties, pledge stronger heritage cooperation.

This was during an audience the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt, granted French Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E Sylvain Riquier. 

The diplomat was accompanied to the audience by some officials of the diplomatic service. 

Discussions centrered on architectural and monumental heritage preservation, cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property, and a shared scientific endeavour in the service of the history of humankind.

Technical departments of the ministry highlighted areas of successful cooperation, including the renovation and equipping of the Public Library and the restoration and reorganisation of artefacts in the National Museum’s reserve.

The Director of Cultural Heritage, Marie Thierry Edjoa Akoa, said the shared heritage of Cameroon and France is not merely a relic of the past, but a promise for the future that must be safeguarded and enhance for generations to come.

She added that Cameroon owes France numerous public administrative buildings of historic charm across the national territory, including the National Museum of Cameroon that served as the Governor’s office and residence during the colonial period, the Central Post Office, École du Centre, the Jamot Pavilion and Our Lady of Victory Cathedral.

Speaking at the audience, the French Ambassador, Sylvain Riquier, hailed the warm reception accorded him and his delegation. 

He noted that reviewing artistic and cultural relations as well as the organisation of the National Museum of Cameroon in partnership with museums in France was a priority in strengthening the cooperation. 

“Our bilateral ties also touched on creative industries, including training offered by the French Institute in Cameroon and other cultural identity sectors, as well as a long-term strategy to fight the illicit trafficking of cultural property,” Ambassador Riquier said.

On his part, Minister Bidoung Mkpatt commended the good bilateral relations existing between both friendly countries, noting that it reflects the shared vision of the leaders of both countries.

“We should further strengthen this cooperation by evaluating and formulating concrete recommendations. This will be possible with a work committee from both structures,” the minister said. 

Discussions between both officials concluded with symbolic exchange of gifts, and groundwork laid for the work committee to be coordinated by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Arts and Culture.

By Albert Njebusi

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3913 of Friday September 18, 2026