Gabon’s Transitional President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, expressed his country’s desire to reduce reliance on food imports and hoped to benefit from Uganda’s experience in agricultural development, particularly in wealth creation.
He conveyed this during a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday, August 1, at State House, Entebbe. Nguema was in Uganda for a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Museveni.
“We will continue collaborating at regional, continental, and international levels,” President Museveni stated following the meeting.
According to Museveni, the two leaders discussed and agreed on efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation between their countries. “We are committed to boosting and broadening cooperation and collaboration in various sectors,” he added.
Nguema updated Museveni on the progress of Gabon’s transition timetable, including the upcoming referendum.
Museveni commended Nguema for the steps taken by the transitional government towards restoring constitutional democracy in Gabon, saying, “I thank him for the steps taken by the transitional government towards Gabon’s return to constitutional democracy.”
Nguema was accompanied by the First Lady of Gabon, Zita Oligui Nguema, and other high-ranking officials. President Museveni was joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
The discussions also covered the political situation in Gabon, with Nguema emphasising the progress of the transition timetable, including the forthcoming referendum.
Both leaders expressed a mutual desire to intensify collaboration for the benefit of their people, sharing a commitment to expanding cooperation in various sectors.
President Nguema expressed Gabon’s interest in learning from Uganda’s agricultural development programmes to reduce food import dependence and enhance wealth creation.
The leaders also exchanged views on various regional, continental, and international issues of mutual interest.
Nguema thanked President Museveni for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also extended an invitation to Museveni for a State Visit to the Gabonese Republic, with the date to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
