During the recent celebration of France’s National Day on July 14 at the French Embassy in Libreville, Ambassador Fabrice Mauriès announced that President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon is scheduled to undertake a state visit to Paris in the coming days. The diplomat characterized this upcoming event as the “highest possible protocol level” and a “pivotal moment in strengthening the relationship” between the two nations.
Addressing Gabonese officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the French community, Fabrice Mauriès confirmed the imminent visit. He stated, “In a few days, His Excellency the President of the Gabonese Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, will travel to Paris for a state visit, which represents the highest level of protocol and will mark a decisive phase in enhancing our bilateral connection.”
The Ambassador highlighted that this current momentum builds upon previous engagements initiated in 2023. He recalled President Oligui Nguema’s official trip to Paris in spring 2024, followed by President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Libreville. Mauriès asserted that “this expanding partnership is in a constant state of redefinition,” viewing these high-level meetings as milestones in a new chapter of Franco-Gabonese cooperation.
Reaffirming Paris’s stance on the Gabonese Transition, Philippe Mauriès declared that “France was not involved, as it is solely up to the Gabonese people to determine their nation’s fundamental choices.” Nevertheless, he assured that “France has never withdrawn; it remains and will continue to be a trustworthy, loyal, committed, and determined partner in assisting Gabonese citizens to shape this new collective future.”
The diplomat further revealed that the upcoming visit is expected to materialize a fresh vision for economic relations between the two countries. He noted, “We will construct a mutually beneficial, win-win partnership, as desired by the Gabonese President and confirmed by President Macron as also being our vision.” Mauriès added that “new projects aligned with this vision will be announced in Paris within the next few days.”
Since the governmental shift in August 2023, Gabon and France have been progressively reshaping their bilateral ties. Reciprocal visits by Presidents Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Emmanuel Macron have initiated a renewed cycle of political, economic, and security cooperation. President Oligui Nguema’s state visit to Paris is poised to mark another significant advancement in this rapprochement, with several strategic projects anticipated for announcement, aimed at solidifying the partnership between France and Gabon.