Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Cameroon’s President Paul Biya on his re-election, reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthen its long-standing partnership with the Central African nation.
The congratulatory message, published on the website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, highlighted the “traditional friendship” between the two countries.
Xi noted that in recent years, China and Cameroon have deepened political trust and achieved “fruitful cooperation” in several sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and trade.
According to Xi, the relationship between Beijing and Yaoundé remains a model of mutual respect and development-oriented cooperation in Africa.
He emphasized that both countries have “consistently supported each other on core interests and major concerns.”
Xi said China values its relations with Cameroon and is ready to build on the achievements of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
He stressed that the next phase of cooperation will focus on implementing summit outcomes, enhancing economic engagement, and improving the welfare of citizens in both countries.
“China attaches great importance to the development of China–Cameroon relations,” Xi said.
“We are ready to work with President Paul Biya to promote the in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and better benefit the two peoples.”
The Chinese leader also pointed out that 2026 will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cameroon.
He described the milestone as “an opportunity to further advance bilateral relations” and strengthen collaboration in new areas such as digital economy, health, and green development.
Beijing has been expanding its diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa through initiatives like the Belt and Road and FOCAC frameworks. Cameroon, in turn, remains one of China’s strategic partners in Central Africa, benefiting from infrastructure financing, telecommunications investments, and cultural exchanges.
President Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982, is among Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His re-election further cements the country’s ongoing relationship with Beijing, which has been a key source of loans and development projects.
China and Cameroon established diplomatic ties in 1971. Since then, both nations have maintained steady cooperation in trade, education, and public health, with China funding projects such as hospitals, highways, and hydropower plants across Cameroon.
As both nations prepare to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, analysts say the renewed commitment from Beijing signals China’s continued interest in maintaining its influence and economic presence across Africa amid growing global competition.