STATE VISIT TO NIGERIA (Abuja, 3 - 4 May 2016)
STATE DINNER
TOAST BY H.E. PAUL BIYA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON, IN RESPONSE TO THAT OF PRESIDENT BUHARI
Abuja, 3 May 2016
Mr President, Dear Brother, Mrs AISHA BUHARI, Mr Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Speaker of the Senate, Mr Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr President of the Supreme Court, Distinguished Members of Government, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to be in your capital city Abuja, whose charm and beauty always strike a visitor. And I have personally noticed on every visit, that the city is in a state of flux.
Also, I would like to thank you for the exceptional welcome accorded me, my wife and my delegation upon my arrival in your great country. I do appreciate it.
I would be tempted to say it bears the hallmarks of the legendary hospitality of the Nigerian people.
Mr President, Dear Brother,
My visit follows that which you made to Yaounde last year, a visit which definitely marked a turning point in our relations. Henceforth, there will be a pre- and a post-July 2015 in the history of Nigeria - Cameroon relations.
We have observed that we have a lot in common and that there is a wide array of cooperation opportunities between our two countries. But above all, we have noted that we have a common enemy. Of course, I am referring to Boko Haram, whose obscurantist goals and barbaric methods run counter to the aspirations of our peoples.
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What our peoples really desire is development which will bring about an improvement in their living conditions and a society of peace, prosperity and fraternity. Having to face a common threat has undoubtedly been a driving force behind the rapprochement and understanding between Nigeria and Cameroon, such as the brotherly cooperation between our armies.
In the meantime, the offensives launched by the Nigerian Army against Boko Haram positions have, as you said, "technically" neutralized the terrorist organization, while the forces of the other countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (including Cameroon) have been harassing the terrorist groups that have retreated to the border areas. I wish at this point to congratulate the defence and security forces of all our countries and the Multinational Joint Task Force on their vigilance and efficiency.
There is now reason to hope that very soon, Boko Haram which has been severely weakened, will no longer have its disruptive capacity.
Also, I would like to express my sympathy for the numerous victims of the suicide attacks perpetrated by the terrorist organization in Nigeria, as well as my wish to see the young Chibok girls freed soon.