In an exclusive interview granted to the Chinese news agency “Xinhua“, Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba said that Gabon and China have friendly and historic relations and continue to strengthen their cooperation in several areas, wishing that this cooperation would be beneficial to both peoples.
The Gabonese president said he was honored to be the first African head of state to visit China since the re-election of Xi Jinping.
He also said that the close relations between the two countries have been marked by mutual respect, friendship, and trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations almost 50 years ago.
The two countries have always had high-level exchanges and the two countries support each other on issues affecting the fundamental interests and major concerns of each party.
Mr. Bongo said that on the international level, the two countries agree on the preservation of peace and security in the world, as well as on conflict resolution.
In addition, Gabon has been the largest trading partner of Gabon for nine years. Conversely, several Chinese are investing in several areas in Gabon, including agribusiness, infrastructure, fishing, and mining.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Gabonese president is making a state visit to China from 18 to 21 April.