St. Petersburg Opens Up To Chantal Biya

Once the motorcade bearing in its stead the presidential couple of Cameroon serenaded its way through the precincts of Saint Petersburg into the plush quarters of the Four Seasons Lion Palace, last Thursday July 27, a lot of things were already pointing to the fact that the trip was going to be a memorable one. 
Judging from the intensity of the turnout by Cameroonians living in Russia, even the most unschooled of onlookers could rapidly tell that there was more than just excitement in the air. The communion and symbiosis between the First Couple and their compatriots was intense and outstanding. So too was the presence of the First Lady of Cameroon, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion in St Petersburg for the second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum for Peace, Security and Development. 
Meeting and having quality time with other First Ladies accompanying their husbands for the summit, the trip provided an opportunity for other First Ladies and wives of Heads of Government, diplomats to meet the First Lady of Cameroon whom they look up to as a humanitarian icon. Chantal Biya, just like other First Ladies accompanying their husbands, didn’t just play a secondary role. Her presence, displayed the supportive role she has been known to play beside her illustrious husband, in guiding and propelling the great nation of Cameroon along shores of peace. Mrs Biya, the socially committed and active UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion, used her stay in St. Petersburg to exchange ideas, foster friendship and the spirit of mutual assistance with other First Ladies, while exploring the cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. 
From a visit to the Fabergé Museum to observe a special historic collection of the famed eggs, to a boat ride across the pristine Neva River, to a lavish tour of the Peterhof Grand Palace and closing with a special lunch, the First Lady of Cameroon had her hands full as she and a host of similarly ranked dignitaries took part in these tours, which was part of the activities reserved for the spouses of Head of States and Governments that were in attendance at the Russia-Africa summit. Mrs Biya was not daunted by the unpleasantness of the weather in St. Petersburg. 
Reason why she took determined strides in gaining the acquaintance of the historic, majestic, and most populous city along the Baltic Sea coastline. The First Lady’s presence in St. Petersburg was like the coming together of two icons, each of them fully emblematic in its own uncontested right.  For well over five hours, Mrs. Biya and her peers were treated to an exciting tour of the dazzlingly...