DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN CAMEROON AND TURKEY: A BENEFICIAL COOPERATION THAT HAS COME TO STAY

Interests of sovereign states transcend across friendships of individuals, commonalities in cultures and beliefs and most importantly, economic gains (the genesis of constant competition for expansion and hegemony in today’s international system). More so, there seems to be a need to analyze the interest of Turkey in one of Africa’s most emergent countries, and Turkey’s close ally in Central Africa, Cameroon. It has been a period of cordial diplomatic relationship between the two countries and continue to be so beneficial for the two countries in the political, economic and socio-cultural domains. Diplomatic cooperation between Cameroon and Turkey that officially began in the 1960s had so far come with immense ramifications most especially on the side of the Cameroon government who have benefitted and continue to benefit from the aids of the Turkish government. The cooperation had transcend just political relations, but has extend to economic, social and cultural milieus. Therefore, this paper analyzes the diplomatic win-win cooperation between Turkey and Cameroon. The study uses the chronological and thematic research methods by critically analyzing existing relevant studies published in books and articles. Findings show that the relationship between the two countries dates back to the Pre- colonial period. However, official diplomatic cooperation were established between both countries in the 1960s. From all indications, it is a friendly and beneficial relationship that has come to stay.