Gabon and eu deepen partnership dialogue in Libreville

Gabon and the European Union held a partnership dialogue session in Libreville, co-chaired by Hermann Immongault, vice-president of the Gabonese government, and Cécile Abadie, ambassador of the European Union to Gabon. Discussions covered political reforms, economic outlook, environmental issues, and regional and multilateral challenges. The meeting was marked by the EU’s call to build a partnership based more on consultation, investment, and multilateralism.

Co-chaired by Hermann Immongault, vice-president of the Gabonese government, and Cécile Abadie, EU ambassador to Gabon, the gathering brought together several government members and ambassadors of EU member states accredited to Gabon. Talks focused on the country’s economic situation, the business climate, the Global Gateway strategy, forest cooperation, sustainable fisheries, maritime security, as well as regional and international matters.

During her remarks, the EU ambassador stressed the need to adapt Africa-Europe relations to an increasingly competitive global environment. “Today’s world is marked by more transactional relationships and sometimes aggressive competition. We must adapt our cooperation tools to this context,” she stated. Cécile Abadie also advocated for a partnership based on “mutual interests,” while reaffirming the EU’s commitment to peace, security, good governance, and respect for human rights.

Referencing the new political phase in Gabon following the transition, the European diplomat called for a long-term cooperative approach. “This dialogue is an opportunity to ensure mutual understanding, to chart a roadmap with shared objectives, and to energise our working methods,” she emphasised. She also urged more consultation, data sharing, and joint analyses to build a common vision of future priorities.

This dialogue comes amid a backdrop of strengthened ties between Gabon and the EU since the Gabonese president’s visit to Brussels in November 2024 and his participation in the EU-African Union summit in 2025.

The discussions also addressed several international crises, notably the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and security challenges on the African continent. At the close of the session, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue exchanges on jointly identified priorities and to establish operational monitoring of cooperation projects.