During the observance of France‘s National Day at the French embassy in Libreville, Ambassador Fabrice Mauriès announced that Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema will embark on a state visit to Paris in the coming days. The diplomat emphasized the significance of this visit, describing it as the highest level of protocol and a decisive milestone in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Addressing Gabonese officials, the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the French community, Ambassador Mauriès stated that “in the next few days, His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic will travel to Paris for a state visit—the pinnacle of diplomatic protocol—which will mark a turning point in the deepening of our ties”.
The ambassador highlighted that this initiative builds upon ongoing exchanges since 2023, referencing the Gabonese head of state’s official visit to Paris in spring 2024 and the reciprocal trip by French President Emmanuel Macron to Libreville. “This partnership, which continues to flourish, is in constant evolution,” he noted, adding that these high-level meetings are paving the way for a renewed phase of Franco-Gabonese cooperation in politics, economy, and security.
Reaffirming France‘s stance on Gabon‘s transition, Ambassador Mauriès stated that “Paris did not play a role in the change of leadership, as it is up to the Gabonese people alone to determine the nation’s future”. He reassured that “France has remained, and will continue to be, a steadfast, reliable partner committed to supporting Gabon in shaping this new collective future”.
He further disclosed that the upcoming visit will crystallize a fresh economic partnership vision between the two countries. “We will forge a mutually beneficial, win-win partnership, one that President Oligui Nguema has championed and President Macron has endorsed,” he declared, adding that “several projects aligned with this vision will be unveiled in Paris within days”.
Since the regime change in August 2023, Gabon and France have progressively reshaped their bilateral relations. The reciprocal visits by Presidents Oligui Nguema and Macron have inaugurated a new chapter in political, economic, and security cooperation. The Gabonese leader’s state visit to France is poised to further this momentum, with the unveiling of key strategic projects aimed at solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
