Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, paid an official visit to Türkiye from July 31 to August 1, 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation between Türkiye and Gabon, institutionalizing bilateral relations through comprehensive agreements. The main components of the visit included a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, bilateral and inter-delegation meetings, signing ceremonies for agreements, a joint press conference, and a business forum held in Istanbul. A total of eight agreements were signed in various fields such as energy, defense, education, and mining.

 

^{The meeting between the two leaders took place at the Presidential Complex (AA)}

Official Welcoming Ceremony

President Oligui Nguema was welcomed with an official ceremony by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. Nguema’s motorcade was escorted by cavalry to the protocol entrance of the Presidential Complex. During the ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played, a 21-gun salute was performed, and flags representing the 16 historical Turkish states alongside military units were displayed. Nguema greeted the Guard of Honor with the phrase “Merhaba asker” (Hello soldier). Following the ceremony, the two leaders posed for the press in front of the Turkish and Gabonese flags.

 

^{A View from the Welcoming Ceremony (AA)}

Bilateral and Inter-Delegation Meetings

After the welcoming ceremony, Erdoğan and Nguema held a one-on-one meeting, followed by talks chaired by the delegations of both countries. During the discussions, cooperation opportunities in energy, diplomacy, defense, education, health, and mining were evaluated, and a mutual commitment to institutionalizing bilateral relations was expressed.

Signed Agreements

A total of eight agreements were signed during the visit. These agreements are as follows:

 

• Memorandum of Understanding on Protocol Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Gabon.

 

• Agreement on Cooperation in Education, Vocational and Technical Training between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Republic of Gabon.

 

• Agreement on Military Education Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Republic of Gabon.

 

• Protocol on Cooperation in Military Health and Training between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Republic of Gabon.

 

• Protocol on the Implementation of Financial Aid between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Republic of Gabon.

 

• Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Republic of Gabon.

 

• Memorandum of Understanding on Hydrocarbon Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Republic of Gabon.

 

• Memorandum of Understanding on Mining Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Republic of Gabon.

 

^{Signing of the Energy Cooperation Agreement between the Two Countries (AA)}

These agreements were signed by the respective ministers and officials. The energy agreements specifically covered areas such as renewable energy, electricity transmission, and exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources. The mining agreement focused on the exploration and operation of mineral resources.

Joint Press Conference

Following the signing ceremony, Presidents Erdoğan and Oligui Nguema held a joint press conference. President Erdoğan stated that the total value of projects undertaken by Turkish companies in Gabon exceeded 2.5 billion dollars and emphasized the private sector's readiness to contribute to sectors such as housing, energy, and digital transformation. He also mentioned the activities of the Maarif Foundation in the field of education and the direct flights operated by Turkish Airlines to Libreville.

 

President Nguema, on the other hand, noted that the relations between Türkiye and Gabon were progressing on the basis of "mutual respect and understanding." He expressed satisfaction with the activities of Turkish companies on the ground and indicated that the newly signed agreements would further strengthen this cooperation.

 

^{A View from the Joint Press Conference (T.C. İletişim Başkanlığı)}

Foreign Policy Highlights

During the joint press conference, both leaders also addressed the Palestinian issue. President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye's support for every step taken towards the recognition of the State of Palestine and shared his assessments regarding the attacks on civilians in Gaza. It was noted that Gabon held a similar position on this issue. Additionally, shared views on global matters such as peace and security in Africa and climate change were articulated.

Istanbul Program and Economic Forum

On the second day of the visit, the Gabonese delegation attended the Türkiye-Gabon Business and Investment Forum held in Istanbul. The forum was expected to contribute to the development of economic relations between the two countries. In this context, President Erdoğan hosted a formal dinner in honor of President Nguema.