Fifty years of peaceful diplomatic relations between China and Gabon

Editor's note: Decision Makers is a global platform for decision makers to share their insights on events shaping today's world. Baudelaire Ndong Ellais is Ambassador of Gabon to China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Bilateral relations are a key factor in the attainment of any country's development pursuits. With China being a key strategic diplomatic partner to Gabon, the Gabonese government and its people feel honored to have achieved this milestone for our country's diplomacy.

Talking about the 50th anniversary of China-Gabon diplomatic relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned that, over the last half century, thanks to the commitment and guidance of generations of leaders of both sides, the China-Gabon friendship has stayed rock-firm as ever. In a world undergoing profound changes, China and Gabon have supported each other in advancing their shared interests and upholding international fairness and justice.

This goes far to describe the traditional friendship between China and Gabon, which has stood the test of time over the years thanks to the trust factor. As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a statement from 2023, "the high level of political mutual trust is the greatest advantage of China-Gabon relations."

In April 2023, Chinese-Gabonese relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership level thereby giving a more meaningful propulsion to cooperation between the two countries. China has always been committed to accompanying Gabon and to collaborate with the country to achieve its main objective of industrialization and modernization, based on infrastructural, agricultural, new energy and technological development amongst others in order to combat poverty and give the Gabonese people a better life.

This strategic partnership paved the way for the signing of eight memorandums of understanding in the domains of agriculture, technological advancement, infrastructural development, security, education amongst others. This singular action created more opportunities to diversify the economy of Gabon and accelerate the implementation of cooperation projects. It also birthed many new areas of collaboration. 

China is Gabon's largest trading partner thereby making it the major driver of Gabon's economic growth. China and Gabon continue to exchange extensively in the domains of diplomacy, politics, economics, culture, and tourism, defense and security, health, and education.

For 50 years, Gabon and China have intentionally sustained good bilateral relations based on mutual trust and support through a number of cooperation initiatives such as high-level exchange visits, experience sharing through seminars, short and long-term training, internships, conferences as well as infrastructural development projects and cultural exchange programs.

These accomplishments have enhanced contact amongst decision-makers of both countries, incited potential Chinese investment partners and nourished healthy interactions between the peoples of both states.

It is therefore convenient for me to say Chinese-Gabonese bilateral relations have always been excellent and going forward will be ever so flourishing.

This 50th anniversary of China-Gabon diplomatic relations therefore crowns the success of this traditional committed friendship, deepens cooperation ties and raises the standard for a new dawn between both countries.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries lie on the foundation of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, peaceful coexistence, equality, and win-win cooperation.

Gabon and China have fervently supported each other on their core issues and as such, Gabon will continue to abide by the one-China principle.

Gabon is signatory to pacesetting agendas put forward by China to accelerate the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda such as the Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative and Global Action for Shared Development, as well as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative amongst others.

Gabon commends China for establishing the FOCAC to enhance its cooperation with Africa.

Presently, my country Gabon is looking forward with optimism to the FOCAC that will take place in the months ahead in China.

We hope that the leaders of both countries will revitalize our bilateral relations and give impetus for future major and strategic development projects.

This forum will demonstrate the desire for both countries to accelerate the implementation of protocol agreements and mutual benefit cooperation ties.

The sustained advancement of Chinese-Gabonese relations is nothing short of a model of China's principle of building a global community of shared future.

Gabon appreciates China for its friendship and continues to rely on China in its struggle for the industrialization and modernization of the Gabonese Republic.

We are hoping to consolidate and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

We also envisage that more Chinese investors and tourists will take interest in the myriad of economic and socio-cultural opportunities available in Gabon and be part of the Gabonese dream of an advanced modern economy.

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