Foreign relations of Gabon

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Gabon has followed a non-aligned policy, advocating dialogue in international affairs and recognizing both parts of divided countries. Since 1973, the number of countries establishing diplomatic relations with Gabon has doubled. In inter-African affairs, Gabon espouses development by evolution rather than revolution and favors regulated free enterprise as the system most likely to promote rapid economic growth. Concerned about stability in Central Africa and the potential for intervention, Gabon has been directly involved with mediation efforts in Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Angola, and former Zaire. In December 1999, through the mediation efforts of President Bongo, a peace accord was signed in the Republic of Congo between the government and most leaders of an armed rebellion. President Bongo has remained involved in the continuing Congolese peace process. Gabon has been a strong proponent of regional stability, and Gabonese armed forces played an important role in the UN Peacekeeping Mission to the Central African Republic (MINURCA).

Gabon is a member of the UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Bank; Organisation of African Unity (OAU); (UDEAC/CEMAC); EC association under Lome Convention; Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA); Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Non-Aligned Movement; Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Gabon is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).

Bilateral relations[]

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Angola
 Armenia 9 March 1994

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1994.

 Brazil
  • Brazil has an embassy in Libreville.
  • Gabon has an embassy in Brasília.
 Canada 1963

Canada established diplomatic relations with Gabon in 1963.

 China See China-Gabon relations

On 20 April 1974, China established diplomatic relations with Gabon.[2]

  • China has an embassy in Libreville.
  • Gabon has an embassy in Beijing.
 Equatorial Guinea

Gabon is involved in a maritime boundary dispute with Equatorial Guinea because of disputed sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay.[citation needed]

  • Equatorial Guinea has an embassy in Libreville.
  • Gabon has an embassy in Malabo.
 France See France-Gabon relations

Since independence, Gabon has been "one of France's closest allies in Africa".[3] As of 2008, around 10,000 French nationals lived and worked in Gabon, while the 6th Marine Infantry Battalion of the French military is also stationed there.

  • France has an embassy in Libreville and a consulate-general in Port-Gentil.
  • Gabon has an embassy in Paris.
 Georgia 19 September 2011 See Gabon–Georgia relations
 India See Gabon–India relations
 Kosovo 5 March 2014 Both countries established diplomatic relations in March 2014.[6]

Gabon and Kosovo have close and friendly relations.[7]

 Mexico March 1976
  • Gabon is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[8]
  • Mexico is accredited to Gabon from its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.[9]
 Nigeria
  • Gabon has an embassy in Abuja.
  • Nigeria has an embassy in Libreville.
 Saint Kitts and Nevis January 2018

Both countries established diplomatic relations in January 2018.[10]

 South Africa
  • Gabon has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has an embassy in Libreville.
 South Korea November 1980
  • Gabon has an embassy in Seoul.
  • South Korea has an embassy in Libreville.
 Spain See Gabon–Spain relations
  • Gabon has an embassy in Madrid.
  • Spain has an embassy in Libreville.
 Turkey 1960[11] See Gabon–Turkey relations
  • Gabon has an embassy in Ankara.[11]
  • Turkey has an embassy in Libreville.[11]
  • Trade volume between the two countries was US$38.9 million in 2018.[11]
 United States See Gabon-United States relations
Embassy of Gabon in Washington, D.C.

Relations between the United States and Gabon are excellent. In 1987, President Omar Bongo made an official visit to Washington, DC. In September 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell made a brief but historic visit to Gabon to highlight environmental protection and conservation in the Central Africa region. This was followed by a visit to the White House by President Bongo in May 2004. The United States imports a considerable percentage of Gabonese crude oil and manganese, and exports heavy construction equipment, aircraft, and machinery to Gabon. Through a modest International Military Education and Training program, the United States provides military training to members of the Gabonese armed forces each year. Other bilateral assistance includes the funding of small grants for qualified democracy and human rights, self-help, and cultural preservation projects. U.S. private capital has been attracted to Gabon since before its independence.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Embassy of Canada in Cameroon
  2. ^ http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/focac/183529.htm
  3. ^ Gabon threatens France with tit-for-tat deportation by Antoine Lawson, Reuters, 4 March 2008
  4. ^ Indian Honorary Consulate in Gabon
  5. ^ Gabon Embassy in India
  6. ^ Paris, Ministria e Punëve të Jashtme-Ambasada e Republikës së Kosovës në. "Republika e Kosovës dhe Republika e Gabonit vendosin marrëdhëniet diplomatike". Ministria e Punëve të Jashtme - Ambasada e Republikës së Kosovës në Paris. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  7. ^ "MPJ konfirmon njohjen zyrtare nga Gaboni". Radio Evropa e Lirë (in Albanian). Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  8. ^ Embassy of Gabon in the United States
  9. ^ Embassy of Mexico in Nigeria
  10. ^ "St. Kitts and Nevis, Gabonese Republic establish diplomatic relations". 9 January 2018.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Relations between Turkey and Gabon".
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