RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Embassy of Cameroon in Riyadh hosted a celebration for the 53rd edition of Cameroon’s National Day, an event marked by a strong message of unity and deepened diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Held at the Cultural Palace in Diriyah, the event, postponed from its traditional May 20th date due to scheduling constraints, was celebrated under the theme: “Army and Nation united for a Cameroon turned towards peace and prosperity.”
The celebration commemorates the reunification of the English-speaking and French-speaking parts of the country in 1972, a move that established the United Republic of Cameroon from its former federal system. This year’s theme resonated strongly with the upcoming presidential election on October 12, 2025, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to peace, harmony, and national cohesion.
In his address, His Excellency Mr. Iya Tidjani, Ambassador of Cameroon to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressed profound gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh, for his presence, which he hailed as a testament to the excellent relations between the two nations.
“The excellent historical relations that exist between our two countries now lay on a solid legal foundation, with the General Cooperation Agreement concluded between our two governments,” the Ambassador stated. “I am firmly convinced that this milestone will serve to further strengthen and expand our exchanges, particularly in the fields of investment, trade, mining, agriculture, tourism, and sports.”
The Ambassador highlighted the growing partnership between Cameroon and Saudi Arabia, noting several key developments, including the signing of a bilateral air agreement in 2017 and Cameroon’s recent official joining of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition on May 1, 2025. He also praised Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian and developmental support, citing the construction of mosques and health facilities in Cameroon through Saudi aid.
Looking to the future, the Ambassador urged Saudi businesses and investors to explore the opportunities within Cameroon, which he described as “Africa in miniature” due to its rich diversity and strategic location. He also reassured Cameroonian citizens in the Kingdom about the upcoming presidential elections, confirming that the Embassy and Consulate General would be prepared to facilitate their civic duties with the support of Saudi authorities.
The celebration served not only as a reaffirmation of Cameroon’s national unity but also as a powerful demonstration of the strengthening bonds between Cameroon and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
