Cameroon-Saudi ties receive shot in the arm

RIYADH: Saudi-Cameroon bilateral ties received a shot in the arm with the visit of two representatives from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) for finalization of talks on developmental projects.
The projects form part of developmental programs being funded by the SFD in central and eastern Cameroon to the tune of $50 million. Implementation of one of the projects has started.
The two officials include Abdullah Mohammed Al-Romeih, SFD adviser, and Abdulrahman Shujaa Al-Harbi, a development specialist.
“The implementation of the projects betokens progress. It heralds industrialization and economic growth for the Central African country,” an embassy spokesperson said.
The two SFD representatives were scheduled to meet with officials at the Ministry of Planning and Development for the signing of needed documents for the projects’ implementation.
The majority of these investments are focused on road infrastructure — mainly the 38km Foumban-Tibati national road; the 45km Bingambo-Grand Zambi regional road linking Douala to the neighboring country Congo; the Sangmelima-Djoum road; and the construction of a school for industrial trades in Akwa in the economic city of Douala.
The embassy spokesperson added that with the completion of the four projects, transportation will be more efficient and movement of produce from the farms to markets will be faster.
The SFD representatives’ visit comes on the heels of Saudi parliamentarians’ visit to Cameroon this past last September 21. The parliamentarians were headed by Dr. Waleed Elkhereiji.
In a meeting with Cameroonian officials, Elkhereiji declared that there were many areas that can enrich cooperation between the two countries.
Since 1999, the SFD has been funding projects in Cameroon in the fields of environment, transport infrastructure, education and health, water, agriculture, among others.