Gabon has followed a non-aligned policy, advocating dialogue in international affairs and recognizing both parts of divided countries. Since 1973, the number of countries establishing diplomatic relations with Gabon has doubled. In inter-African affairs, Gabon espouses development by evolution rather than revolution and favors regulated free enterprise as the system most likely to promote rapid economic growth. Concerned about stability in Central Africa and the potential for intervention, Gabon has been directly involved with mediation efforts in Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Angola, and former Zaire. In December 1999, through the mediation efforts of President Bongo, a peace accord was signed in the Republic of Congo between the government and most leaders of an armed rebellion. President Bongo has remained involved in the continuing Congolese peace process. Gabon has been a strong proponent of regional stability, and Gabonese armed forces played an important role in the UN Peacekeeping Mission to the Central African Republic (MINURCA).
Gabon is a member of the UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Bank; Organisation of African Unity (OAU); Central African Customs Union (UDEAC/CEMAC); EC association under Lome Convention; Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA); Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Non-Aligned Movement; Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Gabon is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Albania | 16 November 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 November 1974[1] |
Algeria | 11 April 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 April 1973[2] |
Andorra | 28 March 2006 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 March 2006[3] |
Angola | 26 April 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 April 1979 when Ambassador of Gabon to Angola Mr. Ignace Vane presented his credentials to President of Angola Dr. Agostinho Neto.[4]
Angola has an embassy in Libreville.
|
Argentina | 22 January 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 January 1974[5] |
Armenia | 9 March 1994 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1994[6] |
Australia | 20 October 1984 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 October 1984 when Mr. A. R.Taylor, presented his letter of credence as non-resident Ambassador of Australia to Gabon.[7] |
Austria | 1 April 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 April 1970[8] |
Azerbaijan | 1 October 1996 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1996[9] |
Bangladesh | 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.[10] |
Belarus | 5 December 1996 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 December 1996.[11] |
Belgium | 3 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1961[12] |
Benin | 29 October 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 October 1969 when Gabon's new Ambassador to Dahomey (Benin), M. Marcel Sandoungout, has presented his credentials to President Zinsou.[13] |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 21 September 2011 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2011[14] |
Botswana | 21 December 2006 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 December 2006[15] |
Brazil | 11 January 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 January 1974[16] |
Bulgaria | 15 May 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 May 1976[18] |
Burkina Faso | 11 November 1965 | Diplomatic relations were established on 11 November 1965.[19]
29 December 1969 first Ambassador of Gabon to Upper Volta Mr. Marcel Sandoungout has presented his letters of credence.[20] |
Cameroon | 26 February 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 February 1975[21] |
Canada | February 1962 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations in February 1962[22]
|
Cape Verde | 7 December 2012 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 December 2012 when Ambassador of Gabon with residence in Dakar Doctor Guy B. Nambo-Wezet, has presented his credentials to President of Cape Verde Jorge Carlos Fonseca.[24] |
Chile | 29 September 1978 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 September 1978[25] |
China | 20 April 1974 | See China-Gabon relations
On 20 April 1974, China established diplomatic relations with Gabon.[26]
|
Colombia | 14 July 1981 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 July 1981[27] |
Democratic Republic of Congo | 28 January 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1970[28] |
Cote d'Ivoire | 30 December 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 December 1966 when Ambassador of Gabon to Ivory Coast Mr. Simon Edan, has presented his credentials.[29] |
Croatia | 22 October 2001 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 October 2001[30] |
Cuba | 26 March 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 March 1974[31] |
Czech Republic | 4 October 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 October 1976[32] |
Dominica | 14 March 2023 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 March 2023[33] |
Dominican Republic | 17 March 2021 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 March 2021[34] |
Ecuador | 11 November 1980 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 November 1980[35] |
Egypt | 9 April 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 April 1973[36] |
Equatorial Guinea |
Gabon is involved in a maritime boundary dispute with Equatorial Guinea because of disputed sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay.[citation needed]
| |
Estonia | 13 July 2007 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 July 2007.[37] |
Finland | 20 May 1988 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 1988[38] |
France | 18 August 1960 | See France-Gabon relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 August 1960[39] Since independence, Gabon has been "one of France's closest allies in Africa".[40] As of 2008, around 10,000 French nationals lived and worked in Gabon, while the 6th Marine Infantry Battalion of the French military is also stationed there.
|
Gambia | 1 September 2021 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 September 2021[41] |
Georgia | 19 September 2011 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 September 2011[42] |
Germany | 17 August 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 August 1960[43] |
Greece | April 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in April 1974.[44] |
Guatemala | 31 December 2022 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 December 2022[45] |
Haiti | 14 October 1981 | See Haiti-Gabon relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 October 1981 when first ambassador of Haiti to Gabon with residence in Dakar Mr Victor Pierre Louis presented his credentials to President Bongo.[46] Both countries have shared Franco-African relations |
Hungary | 24 October 1988 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 October 1988[47] |
India | See Gabon–India relations
| |
Indonesia | 3 June 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 June 1982[50] |
Iran | 26 November 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 November 1974.[51] |
Ireland | 15 December 2009 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 2009 when Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic Mr. Omer Piankali has presented his letters of credence to President of Ireland.[52] |
Israel | 15 November 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 November 1960 when was appointed first non-resident ambassador of Israel to Gabon Yerahmiel Ram Yaron.[53] But Gabon broke diplomatic relations with Israel on 29 October 1973[54] and diplomatic relations were re-established on 29 September 1993[55] |
Italy | 6 February 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 February 1963.[56] |
Jamaica | 23 October 1995 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 October 1995[57] |
Kazakhstan | 23 May 2009 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 May 2009.[58] |
Kenya | 10 July 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1976 when first Ambassador of Gabon to Kenya Mr. Pierre Mebaley presented his credentials to President Kenyatta.[59] |
Kosovo | 5 March 2014 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in March 2014.[60]
Gabon and Kosovo have close and friendly relations.[61] |
Kuwait | 27 October 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 October 1975[62] |
Latvia | 31 October 1996 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 October 1996.[63] |
Liberia | 17 June 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 June 1975[64] |
Libya | 1 November 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 1973.[65] |
Lithuania | 3 March 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 March 1994[66] |
Luxembourg | 1 December 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1961[67] |
Maldives | 20 March 2008 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 March 2008[68] |
Mexico | 10 March 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1976[69] |
Monaco | 28 March 2011 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 March 2011[72] |
Mongolia | 15 September 2014 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 September 2014[73] |
Montenegro | 12 November 2012 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 November 2012[74] |
Morocco | 12 July 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 July 1972[75] |
Mozambique | 5 December 2012 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 December 2012 when Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic Mrs. Aichatou Sanni Aoudou presented his letters of credence to President of Mozambique Armando Emilio Guebuza.[76] |
Nepal | 17 June 1985 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 June 1985[77] |
Netherlands | 12 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 October 1961[12] |
Nicaragua | 14 June 2021 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 2021[78] |
Niger | 22 April 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 April 1968 when Gabon's first Ambassador to Niger , M. Moktar Abdoulaye Mbingt , presented his credentials to President Diori.[79] |
Nigeria | 18 January 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 1973[80]
|
North Korea | 29 January 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 January 1974.[81] |
North Macedonia | 13 November 2000 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 November 2000.[82] |
Norway | 28 September 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 1965[83] |
Oman | 30 March 1981 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 March 1981[84] |
Pakistan | February 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in February 1974[85] |
Philippines | 6 July 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 July 1976.[86] |
Poland | 16 October 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 October 1976[87] |
Portugal | 30 January 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 January 1975[88] |
Qatar | 25 November 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 November 1979.[89] |
Romania | 21 September 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1972[90] |
Russia | 15 October 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1973.[91] |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 5 January 2018 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 January 2018[92] |
Saudi Arabia | January 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in January 1974.[93] |
Serbia | 4 October 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 October 1973[94] |
Seychelles | 14 November 1996 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 November 1996 when has been accredited Ambassador of Gabon to Seychelles (resident in Pretoria) Mr. Paul Enembe Obame.[95] |
Singapore | 6 February 2007 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 February 2007[96] |
South Africa | 15 October 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1992[97]
|
South Korea | 1 October 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1962[98]
|
Spain | 25 February 1964 | See Gabon–Spain relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 1964[99]
|
Sri Lanka | 19 March 2021 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 March 2021[100] |
Switzerland | 11 February 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 February 1964 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Gabon (resident in Leopoldville) Mr. Arturo Marcionelli[101] |
Syria | 18 July 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 July 1975[102] |
Thailand | 1 April 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 April 1976[103] |
Togo | 21 June 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 June 1968 when Ambassador of Gabon to Togo (resident in Abidjan) Mr. Abdoulaye M'Bingt presented his credentials.[104] |
Tunisia | 10 July 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1971 when the first Ambassador of Tunisia to Gabon M. Abdel Hamid Ammar, presented his letters of credentials to President Albert - Bernard Bongo.[105] |
Turkey | 1 February 1963 | See Gabon–Turkey relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 February 1963 when accredited first Ambassador of Turkey to Gabon (resident in Lagos) Mr. Fehmi Nuza.[106] |
Tuvalu | 24 June 2022 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 2022[108] |
Uganda | 4 July 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 July 1975 when the Gabonese Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Pierre Nebale, has presented his credentials to President Amin.[109] |
Ukraine | 1 September 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1993[110] |
United States | 17 August 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 August 1960[111]
See Gabon-United States relations Relations between the United States and Gabon are excellent. In 1987, President Omar Bongo made an official visit to Washington, DC. In September 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell made a brief but historic visit to Gabon to highlight environmental protection and conservation in the Central Africa region. This was followed by a visit to the White House by President Bongo in May 2004. The United States imports a considerable percentage of Gabonese crude oil and manganese, and exports heavy construction equipment, aircraft, and machinery to Gabon. Through a modest International Military Education and Training program, the United States provides military training to members of the Gabonese armed forces each year. Other bilateral assistance includes the funding of small grants for qualified democracy and human rights, self-help, and cultural preservation projects. U.S. private capital has been attracted to Gabon since before its independence.
|
Venezuela | 11 November 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 November 1975[112] |
Yemen | 21 August 1985 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 August 1985[113] |
Zambia | 18 July 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 July 1975[114] |
Zimbabwe | 27 August 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 August 1990[115] |