By: Fatou Krubally
President Adama Barrow and his Gabonese counterpart, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, have pledged to deepen bilateral relations following the signing of a series of agreements aimed at expanding cooperation between The Gambia and Gabon.
The commitment was contained in a joint communiqué issued at the end of President Oligui Nguema’s state visit to The Gambia from 30 July to 2 August, undertaken at the invitation of President Barrow.
During bilateral talks at the State House in Banjul, the two leaders reviewed existing relations and explored opportunities to broaden cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They expressed satisfaction with the longstanding cordial ties between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic and cultural relations.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a General Cooperation Agreement and an agreement establishing a Joint Commission to oversee and promote bilateral cooperation across priority sectors.
The two Heads of State also signed an agreement on the reciprocal exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports to facilitate official travel between the two countries.
In addition, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia and Gabon signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations, which provided a framework for regular consultations and high-level exchanges to review existing cooperation and identify new areas of partnership.
According to the communiqué, the two leaders agreed to continue negotiations on additional bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, agriculture, health, education and infrastructure, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.
They also underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people relations through increased exchanges in culture, sports and tourism to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
On regional and international issues, Presidents Barrow and Oligui Nguema reaffirmed their commitment to peace, security and stability in Africa. They reiterated their support for the principles of the African Union, Pan-African solidarity, multilateral cooperation and South-South collaboration as key drivers of sustainable development and shared prosperity on the continent.
During his visit, President Oligui Nguema toured several institutions and cultural sites, including the National Laboratory for Food and Drug Quality Control in Brusubi, the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Campus, the National Emergency Treatment Centre in Farato and the Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Gabonese President thanked President Barrow and the people of The Gambia for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also invited President Barrow to undertake a reciprocal state visit to Gabon, an invitation the Gambian leader accepted.
The two Presidents described the visit as a significant milestone in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation between The Gambia and Gabon.