The agreement was announced in a joint statement released by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency after Nguema met Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The two countries agreed to pursue closer political and institutional relations through increased exchanges between senior officials, government institutions, political parties, legislatures and local authorities.
Mining is among the central areas of the renewed partnership, with both governments expressing their willingness to deepen cooperation in the sector. China also pledged to support Gabon in using its natural resources more effectively to promote economic development.
“Support Gabon in turning its resource advantages into drivers of development,” China said in the statement, signalling its interest in helping the Central African country derive greater economic value from its mineral wealth.
Security ties move up the agenda
The partnership also places greater emphasis on defence and internal security. Both countries committed to expanding exchanges between their armed forces, law enforcement bodies and security agencies as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on peace and security.
Beyond mining and security, Beijing and Libreville identified trade, education and public health as additional areas where they intend to build stronger ties.
The agreement reinforces China’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Gabon, a resource-rich country in Central Africa.
It also creates an opportunity for both governments to broaden their relationship beyond existing economic ties, with mining and security taking a more prominent place in their cooperation.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
