CGTN's French channel sat down with Gabon's President Ali Bongo Ondimba, to hear his views about the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and what it means for African countries.

ALI BONGO ONDIMBA PRESIDENT OF GABON "We, as Africans, are particularly satisfied with the development of relations with the People's Republic of China. For us, this forum is very important, and we can see that the forum has stimulated a lot of African countries. China is a friend of Africa, and it has proved that. In these circumstances, it is important for us to discuss the concept of cooperation and to exchange new ideas. This Forum in Beijing now is an opportunity for countries such as Gabon to meet directly with the developers and businessmen. In this respect, we greatly appreciate the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, because it will allow African countries to accelerate the process of development in their countries, including the fund which was set up in 2014 which can help us speed up our development process. Today, African countries have a choice. They have the choice of partners with whom they will work. And the relationship we have with China is very important. It is a free choice made in the spirit of mutual benefit."