China has commented on the victory of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Gabon’s interim president, who won the first presidential election with 94.85 per cent of the vote.
Gabon’s National Election and Referendum Organisation and Coordination Committee declared Nguema the winner of the race, also contested by former Prime Minister Alain Claude Billie-by-Nze.
On Monday, China congratulated the African nation on “its smooth presidential election,” adding that President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to Mr. Nguema.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described China and Gabon as “traditional friends and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners.”
He said China attaches great importance to its relations with Gabon and stands ready to jointly work to deliver the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Jiakun said both nations would deepen exchanges and cooperation, and add new substances to the China-Gabon comprehensive strategic partnership to deliver greater benefits to their peoples.
The Chinese government pledged $50 billion in financial support to Africa over the next three years during the FOCAC summit in 2024.
