1. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Kim Hong-kyun will hold the 3rd Republic of Korea-Cameroon policy consultation with Secretary General of the Ministry of External Relations of Cameroon Mbayu Felix in Seoul on November 11, and exchange extensive views on ways to strengthen substantive cooperation between the two countries, as well as regional situations.

2. In the upcoming policy consultation, which takes place four years after the last consultation in 2011, the ROK side will note with appreciation that the ROK-Cameroon relations became closer with the reopening of the ROK Embassy in Cameroon in 2008 and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2011. The ROK side will also explore ways to expand cooperative relations between the two countries, traditionally focused on resources, into other various areas, including infrastructure building, ICT and sports.

o Korean companies are taking steps to participate in Cameroon’s national development projects covering all economic sectors under its “Vision 2035.”

o Drawing upon Cameroon’s adoption of the ROK’s electronic customs clearance system (UNI-PASS) in September to modernize its customs administration, the two sides will discuss ways to expand cooperation in other e-government sectors.

o The two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation, including a training program where winter sports athletes are invited, and continue to expand bilateral exchanges related to Taekwondo.

3. The ROK side will also explain the ROK government’s North Korea policy and the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, and request Cameroon’s interest and support for the ROK government’s policies to promote peace and stability in the region.

o The ROK side will be briefed on the situations in Cameroon and neighboring areas, and discuss measures to jointly respond to violent extremism, such as Boko Haram. The ROK side will also request the Cameroonian government’s support to ensure the safety of Koreans in Cameroon.

4. The forthcoming policy consultation, which will take place as part of the ROK government’s efforts to strengthen its diplomacy toward Africa, is the 16th meeting that the Foreign Ministry holds with an African country this year. The ROK government will continue to strengthen friendly and cooperative relations with African countries by facilitating dialogue channels with them.


*unofficial translation