Gabon and the European Union held a new session of their partnership dialogue in Libreville, co-chaired by Hermann Immongault, vice-president of the gabonese government, and Cécile Abadie, the European Union ambassador to Gabon. The talks covered political reforms, economic outlook, environmental issues, as well as regional and multilateral challenges. The EU called for a partnership built on greater consultation, investment, and multilateralism.
Co-led by Hermann Immongault, vice-president of the gabonese government, and Cécile Abadie, the European Union ambassador to Gabon, the meeting gathered several government officials and ambassadors from EU member states accredited to Gabon. The discussions addressed the country’s economic situation, the business climate, the Global Gateway strategy, forestry cooperation, sustainable fishing, maritime security, as well as regional and international questions.
In 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 adjust our cooperation tools to this context,” she said. Cécile Abadie also advocated for a partnership based on “mutual interests,” while reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to peace, security, good governance, and respect for human rights.
Referring to the new political chapter opened in Gabon after the transition, the European diplomat called for long-term cooperation. “This dialogue is an opportunity to ensure mutual understanding, draw up a roadmap with common objectives, and energise our way of working,” she emphasised. She also pushed for more consultation, data sharing, and joint analysis to build a shared vision of future priorities.
This dialogue comes at a time of strengthened ties between Gabon and the European Union, following the gabonese president’s visit to Brussels in November 2024 and his participation in the European Union-African Union summit in 2025.
The talks also allowed for discussion of several international crises, including the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and security challenges on the African continent. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue exchanges on jointly identified priorities and to establish operational follow‑up for cooperation projects.
