Ahead of the United Nations International Friendship, the Republic of Cameroon and Korea have used sports to reinforce friendship and cooperation ties between their two countries. This was during a friendly encounter last Saturday at the Yaoundé Military Stadium under the chair of the Korean Ambassador to Cameroon, Lim Jae-hoon in the presence of the KOICA resident representative to Cameroon, Yeon Je Ho, Alumni President, Amina Abdul and the representative of the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alex Mimbang.
Organised by the Koica Alumni Association of Cameroon, KAAC in collaboration with the Yaoundé Emergency Centre, CURY, the friendly match pitting both institutions brought together hundreds of spectators who also used the occasion to showcase Cameroon-Korea ties through songs, dances and music.
Speaking to the press at the end of the friendly encounter which ended on a tie, Ambassador Lim Jae-hoon expressed satisfaction and delight at the celebration of the international friendship day through sports and dance. He disclosed that Cameroon-Korea friendship ties were at an all-time high. He said though it was the first time that two organisations were participating in such a friendly competition, it nevertheless goes a long way to shape confident building measures between both countries. He hoped that next year such a competition will continue between KAAC and Korea members to promote solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
On her part, Amina Abdul, the Alumni Association President, justifying the choice of CURY as an opponent for the game said it was meant to intensify the relationship KOICA has with KAAC and the Yaoundé Emergency Centre.
“This is our first edition and it is not going to end here. Next year, we are going to choose other organisations or partners to celebrate this event,” she stated.
She said her organisation is not only focused on leisure activities or sports but has been carrying a lot of activities in the domains of education, agriculture, ICTs, renewable energy as well as cultural exchange, all in a bit to foster friendship ties between Korea and Cameroon.
“We have a wider spectrum which we are still continuing and we are inviting other Cameroonians to carry out similar activities like ours.”
The International Day of Friendship is a United Nations (UN) day that promotes the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures. It is observed on July 30 each year.
To mark the International Day of Friendship, the UN encourages governments, organizations, and community groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that promote solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
In 2011, the UN proclaimed the International Day of Friendship with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, and cultures can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The UN wanted for the day to involve young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.
Friendship Day celebrations occur on different dates in different countries. The first World Friendship Day was proposed for 30 July in 1958, by the World Friendship Crusade. On 27 April 2011 the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 30 July as official International Friendship Day. Source: The Voice weekly
