Gabon and China Celebrate 50 Years of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation

Gabonese Foreign Minister Regis Onanga Ndiaye has stated that the cooperation between Gabon and China over the past 50 years has been mutually beneficial for the populations of both countries. Gabon and China established diplomatic relations in 1974 and have since achieved win-win cooperation across various fields, with results that have positively impacted both peoples.

At a seminar marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, attended by over 150 representatives including Gabonese ministers and the charge d'affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Gabon, Onanga welcomed the level of cooperation with China. He noted that China has become one of the major players in the economic development of African countries and that the decision by the two heads of state to elevate the Gabon-China relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership last year was a significant turning point.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Transitional President of Gabon Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion, with both leaders emphasizing the strong and time-tested friendship between their nations. Xi stated that the traditional friendship has grown stronger over time and that bilateral relations have been constantly upgraded, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. Nguema affirmed that Gabon firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to work with China to promote the continuous consolidation and development of the Gabon-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Zhu Xiaole, the charge d'affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the complementary nature of the Gabonese and Chinese economies. China has been Gabon's largest trading partner for 11 consecutive years since 2013, and many Chinese companies have invested in various sectors in Gabon, creating jobs and boosting local economic and social development.

Why this matters: The 50-year milestone in Gabon-China relations shows the growing importance of China's economic and diplomatic ties with African nations. As China continues to expand its influence and investments across the continent, the Gabon-China partnership serves as a model for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and African countries.

Gabonese Minister of Foreign Affairs Regis Onanga Ndiaye emphasized that since establishing diplomatic relations, "Gabon and China have achieved mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields, which has been beneficial to both peoples." The seminar, jointly organized by the Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Gabon, celebrated the steady development of bilateral relations over the past five decades, including fruitful cooperation in the economic, social, and military spheres.

Key Takeaways

• Gabon-China relations established in 1974, now a strategic partnership.
• China is Gabon's largest trading partner since 2013, with investments.
• Cooperation has been mutually beneficial for both countries' populations.
• Leaders emphasize strong, time-tested friendship and one-China policy.
• Gabon-China partnership seen as a model for China-Africa cooperation.