During the recent celebration of France’s national day on July 14th at the French embassy in Libreville, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Fabrice Mauriès announced an imminent state visit by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to Paris. The diplomat characterized this upcoming engagement as the “highest possible protocol level” and a “decisive juncture in solidifying the relationship” between the two nations.

Addressing Gabonese officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the French community, Fabrice Mauriès confirmed, “In the coming days, His Excellency the President of the Gabonese Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, will travel to Paris for a state visit—the most elevated level of diplomatic protocol—which will undeniably mark a pivotal moment in enhancing our bilateral ties.”

The ambassador highlighted that this renewed momentum builds upon ongoing discussions initiated in 2023, referencing President Oligui Nguema’s official trip to Paris in spring 2024, followed by President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Libreville. He asserted that “this expanding partnership is in a state of constant redefinition,” viewing these high-level meetings as milestones in a fresh phase of Franco-Gabonese cooperation.

Reaffirming Paris’s stance on Gabon’s political transition, Philippe Mauriès stated that “France was not a participant, as it is solely up to the Gabonese people to determine the fundamental choices for Gabon.” Nevertheless, he assured that “France has never withdrawn its support; it remains and will continue to be a trustworthy, loyal, committed, and resolute partner dedicated to assisting Gabonese citizens in forging this new collective future.”

The diplomat concluded by announcing that this forthcoming visit would facilitate the realization of a fresh vision for economic relations between the two countries. “We will construct the mutually beneficial, win-win partnership that the Gabonese President desires, and which President Macron has confirmed aligns with our own vision,” he indicated, further specifying that “new projects reflecting this vision will be unveiled in Paris within days.”

Since the governmental shift in August 2023, Gabon and France have been progressively overhauling their bilateral relations. The reciprocal visits by Presidents Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Emmanuel Macron have inaugurated a new cycle of political, economic, and security cooperation. The Gabonese head of state’s state visit to Paris is anticipated to signify a further stage in this rapprochement, with several strategic projects expected to be announced, designed to strengthen the Gabon France partnership.