Celebrating Sino-Gabonese partnership on a historic milestone
At the Chinese embassy in Libreville, the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was marked with a solemn ceremony. The event underscored the enduring bond between Gabon and China, reflecting on decades of cooperation and shared values of peace and progress.
The ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Gabon, Zhou Ping, highlighted the strong momentum in bilateral relations, noting that this year coincides with the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic ties between Libreville and Beijing. He also revealed that President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has been invited to China in November by his counterpart, President Xi Jinping, to further strengthen the partnership between the two nations.
China’s vision for global peace and stability
Addressing the gathering of high-ranking officials and diplomats, Zhou Ping emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue in a world marked by instability and conflict. He reiterated Beijing’s dedication to the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping: sustainable development, global security, cultural exchange, and international governance—seen as pillars of China’s contribution to worldwide stability.
In his speech, the ambassador cited two concrete examples of cooperation. First, the 2024 visit of the Peace Ark, China’s hospital ship, which completed its second stopover in Gabon. Second, the recent reception of a Chinese military medical delegation in Libreville, both initiatives reinforcing the military cooperation between the two countries.
The event also provided a platform to introduce Gabon’s new face of defense cooperation: Colonel Zhang Song, who recently assumed the role of military attaché at the Chinese embassy.
Looking ahead to a shared future
As Gabon and China reflect on 52 years of diplomatic relations, the upcoming presidential visit to Beijing in November symbolizes the depth and importance of their partnership. With joint efforts in healthcare, military collaboration, and sustainable development, the two nations continue to build a future rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity.
