DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN ITALY AND CAMEROON

Abstract

This study is an empirical reviews of the relations (diplomatic and economic) that Cameroon and Italy have had for the last three decades. The study is inquisitive to understand why these two countries have been so apt to get closer and closer and the achievements acquired within the relations.

The study first seeks to understand the theoretical domain on which these two countries’ relations function. Having gone through a list of theories, the study settled for neoliberalism by which it explained the effervescence of the bilateral diplomatic and economic relations that both countries have at this material time.

Then the thesis discusses the diplomatic relations between the two countries beginning from the 1970s and looks at the number of diplomats that both countries have assigned to each other. In addition, it follows through its course and reviews how resourceful the relations have been and how things suddenly seemed to be turning around for both benefit. It will also discuss the diplomatic relations between Cameroon and Italy visà-vis some of the challenges both countries have been having. To be discussed here more specifically are a brief history between Cameroon and Italian relations, phases of the diplomatic relations, visa challenges in Cameroon and the salvation to visa problems following the visits of the Italian president to Cameroon and likewise the visit of the Cameroonian president to Italy.

The study then discusses infrastructural challenges Cameroon might be having to question if this is one of its reasons for drawing closer to Italy. It then reviews that Italy might be seeking for a way that Cameroon and its allies would be developed and industrialized so that mass migration to Europe passing through Italy, principally, could reduce or stop. Through the infrastructural development and other recorded activities promised by Italian government, employment will increase and automatically reduce the rate of migrants to Europe.

Next, the thesis summons Cameroon on some important lessons to learn from this cooperation and dare to make a comparative analysis though on a minimal scale between Cameroon and Italy. It also discusses the sustainable development goals of Cameroon vis-à-vis what it plans to achieve by the year 2035. Secondly, it will discuss the lessons that Cameroon has to learn from the economic partnership that is not new per se but is stronger at this time. Finally, the study concludes that though the relations between the countries assert a symbiotic gain, Italy stands to gain more seeing it brings more into the relations while Cameroon stands to gain less seeing its brings less but stands to receive more