Gabon has signed or advanced a series of new cooperation agreements with African and international partners covering diplomacy, transport, security, defense, infrastructure and investment.
The government approved eight draft laws authorizing the ratification of international agreements at a September 18 cabinet meeting in Port-Gentil. The instruments cover cross-border cooperation under the African Union’s Niamey Convention, air transport with Belgium, police cooperation, military health cooperation with Türkiye and a framework for military and defense cooperation with Italy. Other agreements concern hydrography, the protection of women and girls, and international adoption.
The cabinet also reviewed the results of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s West African tour from July 28 to August 7, which resulted in several bilateral agreements.
In Ghana, Gabon signed memorandums of understanding on political consultations and diplomatic training. Four agreements with The Gambia cover general cooperation, a joint commission, diplomatic consultations and visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
Gabon also concluded a general cooperation agreement with Sierra Leone covering transport, agriculture, mining, culture and infrastructure. Discussions with Côte d’Ivoire focused on energy, transport and infrastructure, as well as attracting private Ivorian investment to Gabon.
With the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Gabon signed three instruments covering political consultations, reciprocal visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders, and general cooperation. The two sides are also expected to negotiate agreements on judicial assistance, extradition and diplomatic training.
In Guinea-Bissau, the two governments identified cooperation opportunities in vocational training, timber, climate change, biodiversity, the economy and industry. Gabon also reaffirmed its support for the country’s transition process.
The latest agreements follow Gabon’s efforts to deepen ties beyond its traditional partners. In July, Gabon and Spain signed a memorandum establishing regular diplomatic consultations, with cooperation covering the economy, sustainable tourism, training, maritime security and mobility.
The agreements add new frameworks for Gabon’s cooperation with African partners while expanding ties in transport, security, natural resources and investment.
