Toli Sous le Manguier

¶16. (C) Biya´s affection for the U.S. appears genuine (he talked fondly of his one visit to the U.S.) Some in the media are already interpreting the length of this meeting (which some journalists report as unprecedented) as a sign of the importance of the U.S.-Cameroon relationship. Biya´s wide ranging comments and questions encompassed American car manufacturers, Tiger Woods, the Massachusetts Senate election, the U.S. economy and health reform debate, former President George W. Bush (who he liked because he is a farmer and reads the bible), and President Obama (who he admires). He hoped Cameroon could benefit from Millennium Challenge Corporation funding, noting that Senegalese President Wade had told him how much he likes the MCC, but acknowledging concerns about the GRC´s current capacity to implement an MCC compact. Biya appreciated USG exchange programs and offerings of training. He mentioned retirement and said he would love to visit the U.S. again, especially Detroit (presumably because of a love of automobiles.) Ambassador stressed that America was a friend of Cameroon.

¶17. (C) Biya had earlier cornered Ambassador during a New Year event to say "we have much to talk about". He obviously did. His eagerness to engage us, his positive interest in the U.S., his questions to Ambassador about a wide range of global issues, the unusual length of this meeting and breadth of conversation suggest the President may be receptive to further discussions with senior USG officials in such areas as corruption, elections, democratic transition, and Cameroon´s global role.
GARVEY