Turkish deputy foreign minister attends Gabon president's inauguration

Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran attended the inauguration ceremony of Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema on Saturday.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said on X that Duran participated in the inauguration ceremony in the capital Libreville, as part of an official invitation and on behalf of Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The presidential elections, which marked the end of Gabon's transitional government period, were held on April 12, ahead of the previously pledged timeline. Transitional Government President Oligui Nguema won the election with 94.85% of the vote, becoming the country’s new president.

The election marked a key step in the Central African nation’s transition from military to civilian rule. Nguema led a group of senior Gabonese army officers who deposed President Ali Bongo in August 2023.

New constitution

Following the country’s 2023 military coup, Nguema, a former commander of the Republican Guard, was sworn in as the country's transitional president, ending 56 years of the so-called Bongo dynasty.

Last November, a referendum was held to decide on a new constitution, presented as a crucial step toward holding a presidential election.

The new constitution abolished the post of prime minister, allowed Nguema to run for president, and provided for a seven-year presidential term with a maximum of two terms.

Gabon, the seventh-largest crude oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, also holds the world's third-largest renewable water reserves.

Trade and economic relations

Türkiye's trade and economic relations with Gabon have gained momentum in recent years. Turkish companies have shown increasing interest in Gabon, undertaking major projects in the construction and energy sectors in recent years.

An agreement on the avoidance of double taxation was signed last year between the foreign ministers of the two countries on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

The Turkish-Gabon Maarif School in Libreville provides education at the kindergarten, primary, middle, and high school levels.