The two sides also discussed India-Gabon cooperation at the international level and reaffirmed their commitment to continue to support each-others’ candidature at the UN

India and Gabon have reviewed their bilateral ties and discussed the possibilities of cooperation in the post-Covid-19 scenario.

Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan held a virtual meeting with Foreign Minister of Gabon Pacome Moubelet Boubeya on Thursday and reviewed the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in the sectors of high potential.

“Both leaders undertook a detailed review of bilateral ties including the Covid-19 pandemic and possibilities of cooperation in the post-Covid scenario. The two Ministers also discussed the huge potential that exists in Gabon in sectors such as manganese, fertilizer, railways, agriculture, and timber. Gabon has a huge amount of natural resources, particularly, manganese, timber, crude oil and, it offers investment opportunities for Indian companies,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The two leaders reviewed the utilization of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation slots and finalization of the draft Memorandum of Understanding for participating in the e-VBAB Project.

While referring to the offer of Line of Credit from India, both leaders recognized that the existing Line of Control facilities could be utilized by Gabon wisely, particularly, in solar energy and construction of railway lines.

The two also discussed India-Gabon cooperation at the international level and reaffirmed their commitment to continue to support each-others’ candidature at the United Nations and other international forums.

According to the statement, the Gabon Foreign Minister has extended an invitation to MoS Muraleedharan to visit Gabon and also raised the issue of opening of Resident Indian Mission in Gabon.

India and Gabon share friendly and cordial relations. MoS Muraleedharan expressed happiness over the regular visits from Gabon to India at all levels that have helped in strengthening relations between the two countries.

He also expressed condolences on the untimely demise of the Ambassador of Gabon to India Desire Koumba.