Xi calls for upgrade to China-Gabon ties in talks with ‘old friend’ Bongo
- The Gabonese president is in Beijing seeking support for a development plan that will reduce his country’s oil dependence
- Underpinning the strategy is creation of a sustainable industry based on the lush forests covering most of the country
“The strong and sustained growth of bilateral ties between our two countries serves our common long-term interests and has an exemplary role to play in building a community with a shared future for mankind,” Xi said during the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Describing Bongo as “an old friend”, the Chinese president called for the relationship to be upgraded to “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” level.
Bongo – who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for the four-day visit – is expected to seek funding for the “Emerging Gabon 2025” development plan that aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and minerals.
China has been Gabon’s largest trading partner for nine consecutive years, with two-way trade reaching US$4.55 billion in 2022 – up more than 50.8 per cent year on year, according to Chinese customs data.