Turkey, Camerron scrap visa requirements, ink cooperation agreements

As part of his mini Africa tour, President Abdullah Gul held talks in Yaounde, Cameroon yesterday. His Cameroonian counterpart Paul Biya decorated Gul with a medal of merit, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour meeting and the signing of agreements on mutual visa exemptions as well as technical, scientific, agricultural and economic cooperation. Biya also hosted a dinner in Gul's honor at the country's presidential palace. Speaking at the dinner, Gul said underlined that Turkey and Cameroon are determined to boost their friendly ties. Stating that stronger cooperation in such areas as agriculture, health and education would benefit both sides, Gul said Turkey wants to improve bilateral ties with African countries in a number of areas. Later addressing businesspeople from both countries at a meeting of the Turkish-Cameroonian Business Forum, Gul pledged Turkey's continued humanitarian aid to Africa. Stating that a number of African countries have made development strides over the last decade, Gul reiterated the importance placed by Turkey on improving ties with Africa. Gul also pledged that Turkey will continue to be the voice of African nations on international platforms. "We're well aware that Turkey couldn't have secured a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council without support from African countries, and no doubt Turkey, at both the UN Security Council and other international platforms, will pull its weight to help solve problems facing Africa," Gul said. He added that Turkey plans to open embassies in 10 more African countries in addition its current 18 representative offices across the continent. Gul also called on Turkish investors to invest in Cameroon's mining, health and education sectors. Before leaving for Turkey, Gul also visited a Turkish-Cameroonian high school in the capital. During the visit, Gul was entertained by a Cameroonian student who sang a famous Turkish folk song. Speaking to students and teachers, Gul expressed great pleasure at visiting Cameroon, praising its beauty, as well as the school. Stating that Turkey and Cameroon are resolved to boost their ties in various areas, Gul stressed the importance of cooperation in education. "Education is the best area for investors, and I believe this school will continue to make important contributions to further improving Turkish-Cameroonian cooperation," Gul said. Accompanying Gul during this visit, Cameroonian Foreign Minister Henry Eyebe praised the quality of education offered by the school.