50-year China-Gabon friendship a 'role model'

China and Gabon should draw strength from their traditional friendship and firmly support each other, President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on Wednesday.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Gabon.

Xi noted that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries "have developed into a role model for China's relations with African nations and the vast number of developing countries".

China is willing to work with Gabon to build on their traditional friendship, seize the opportunities of the times and continue to create a brighter future for the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said.

Jointly implemented projects such as power grid upgrades and the construction of vocational education centers have been welcomed by the Gabonese people, Xi noted.

China is willing to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and the digital economy to help Gabon diversify and transform its economy, he said.

Nguema thanked Xi for inviting him to China to attend the 2024 FOCAC Summit and for the meeting with him.

Xi's actions fully reflected the friendship between the two peoples and the strong relations between the two countries, he said.

The two countries enjoy close ties in various fields, and China is Gabon's most important partner, contributing to Gabon's national development in many ways, he said. Nguema said he appreciated the support given by China to Gabon's political transition process, and said Gabon steadfastly upholds the one-China policy.