The President of the Republic of Italy, H.E Sergio Mattarella has started a four day official visit to Cameroon on the invitation of his Cameroonian counterpart President Paul Biya.

An air plane carrying the Italian President touched down at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport at 12:00 pm some three minutes after the President Paul Biya arrived the airport to welcome his august guest, President Sergio Mattarella of Italy and daughter.

Both leaders reviewed the troops of honour for the special event while a twenty-gun-salute welcomed the high profiled guest. President Sergio Mattarella and President Paul Biya took to the rostrum for the chanting of the national anthems of both countries; starting with that of Italy followed by that of Cameroon.

The visiting President was presented a cross section government and national dignitaries who turned out to welcome him beginning with the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, Head of Government and other dignitaries.

The 75-year old President of Italy is the first Italian President to visit Cameroon. He is accompanied to Cameroon by his daughter, Laura.

The visit comes at a time when Italy is lobbying for support for its bid as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

At the end of the protocols, both leaders had their first high level talks at the presidential lounge of the airport before driving to the Hilton hotel where the Italian President will be residing during the four day state visit rich in significance and activities.