The five-day state visit to China by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was concluded on November 7, 2026, with a series of cooperation agreements and new economic commitments, marking a new milestone in the strengthening of ties between the two countries.
During the visit, the two nations decided to elevate their relationship to a “community with a shared future in the new era,” as outlined in a joint statement signed on November 6 by the Gabonese head of state and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
This new direction was accompanied by the signing of six memoranda of understanding in Beijing, covering sectors such as mining, industry, the audiovisual field, and vocational training. China also announced a grant of 300 million yuan about 24 billion CFA francs, earmarked for projects, including the construction of an annex for the Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the renovation of the Senate Palace.
In Shanghai, cooperation was expanded to include other strategic areas – such as public security, artificial intelligence, energy, and rail transport – through a series of new agreements.
Discussions also focused on several key development projects for Gabon, including the Libreville bypass road, the Booue dam, the exploitation of the Belinga iron ore deposit and the local processing of natural resources.
The visit reflects the desire of both countries to consolidate their economic and diplomatic relations, at a time when Gabon is seeking to better leverage its natural resources and accelerate its industrial transformation.
Diplomatic relations between Libreville and Beijing, established on April 20, 1974, have evolved significantly over the past five decades.
In 2023, the two nations had already elevated their cooperation to the level of a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”
The visit by Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema thus adds a new dimension to this bilateral rapprochement.
DM/te/fss/gik/APA