Cameroon was admitted as the 52nd member of the Commonwealth on 1st November 1995. The admission process, itself. propelled by historical and cultural considerations came after six years of negotiations. Attitudes to our adhesion ranged from curious circumspection to the utter conviction of rectifying an earlier diplomatic omission. Ten years down the road, there is no doubt that our country occupies an increasingly privileged position within the organization, as it gradually consolidates its democratic credentials. " Early perceptions of Cameroon as being francophone have given way and today it is wholly accepted as an integral part of the organization one of whose hall marks is its cultural diversity.

The point is best iIIustrated by the high profile meetings, the structured commission and" substantial technical cooperation that characterizes our relations with the organization.