Relations between Cameroon and Canada are fruitful and 50 years down the lane, both countries believe there is much to celebrate. The commitment of Canada in assisting Cameroon to attain its set development goals cannot be overestimated; with Cameroon being the second African country with close trade relations with Canada.

For relations to continue to bear fruit, both countries believe prayers are indispensable. It was against this background that activities to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries that began in Yaounde on July 2, witnessed a climax yesterday July 10 with an ecumenical service at the Cardinal Paul Emile Etoug-Ebe Rehabilitation and Handicap Centre, Etoug-Ebe, Yaounde.

From the Parish Priest of Saint Phillippe, Etoug-Ebe, Albert Essomba Abina on tribute to Cardinal Emile Léger, Imam Modibo Ibrahima of the Essos Mosque on the unity of religions, Father Etendi of the Coron Orthodox Church on peace in the world, to Rev. Pastor Jean René Awoumou of the Marie Gocker Presbyterian Parish, on righteousness and peace, all the clergymen were agreed that love for one another and the virtues of peace and stability should be embraced.

The service with interludes from three choirs was attended by a cross section of members of the diplomatic corps led by the High Commissioner of Canada to Cameroon, Benoîet Pierre Laramée. The Minister of External Relations, Prof. Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo was represented by the Director of Protocol who in his speech saluted relations between both countries. Earlier on, Benoîet Pierre Laramée underlined the virtues of peace and stability that have distinguished Cameroon as a good partner in Africa and the world at large. He said ties between both countries are based on mutual respect and religious tolerance. "Cameroon stands as a model in Africa and the world," he underlined.

The General Manager of the Etoug-Ebe Handicap Centre, host of the ecumenical service, Grace Fomuluh, joined Benoîet Pierre Laramée in saying the choice of the centre was not by chance. The history of the centre has roots in Canada with Cardinal Emile Léger still remembered for that. Sidelines of the service included the offer of foodstuff to some disabled students of the centre and the signing of its VIP visitor's book.