On November 6, 2026, Gabon and China decided to elevate their bilateral relations to a "community of shared future for Gabon and China in the new era". This development came after a meeting between Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Grand Palais du Peuple. According to a statement from the presidential press office, the two leaders adopted a joint declaration to upgrade their relations.
The joint declaration stated that China supports President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's efforts to guide the Gabonese government and people towards a development path adapted to national realities. China also pledged to support Gabon in preserving its sovereignty, security, and development interests. Furthermore, China committed to backing the implementation of Gabon's National Growth and Development Plan (PNCD) 2026-2030.
China respects Gabon's sovereignty over its natural resources and will accompany the local transformation of these resources, from exploration to transformation, infrastructure, and training. The two countries plan to conclude an economic partnership agreement for shared development, which will provide a sustainable framework for the exemption of customs duties on Gabonese products in China, in effect since May 1, 2026.
The agreement also aims to modernize their investment promotion and protection agreement. The two countries will expand cooperation in areas such as agriculture, digital economy, training, health, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and cultural exchanges. This strengthening of bilateral relations was marked by the signing of six memoranda of understanding in the presence of the two heads of state.
The memoranda of understanding cover cooperation in geology and mining, training and geosciences, strengthening industrial chains, a framework agreement for shared development, the construction of a multipurpose building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and cooperation between the television chains of the two countries. President Oligui Nguema was received with military honors and participated in a tête-à-tête with President Xi Jinping.
The two leaders then held a meeting with their respective delegations, followed by the signing of cooperation documents and a state banquet. President Oligui Nguema also invited President Xi Jinping to make a state visit to the Gabonese Republic. The upgrade of bilateral relations between Gabon and China reflects a deepening of their partnership.
The new level of cooperation between Gabon and China is expected to foster greater collaboration and mutual benefit for both countries. Key areas of cooperation will include economic development, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. The two countries are committed to working together to achieve their development goals and promote peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- The two countries have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a "community of shared future for Gabon and China in the new era".
- China has pledged to support Gabon's National Growth and Development Plan (PNCD) 2026-2030.
- The two countries plan to conclude an economic partnership agreement for shared development.
