The Gambia, Gabon Sign Cooperation Agreement, Introduce Visa-Free Travel for Diplomatic Passport Holders

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ADNews-Banjul, The Gambia:  The Governments of The Gambia and Gabon have signed a General Cooperation Agreement that paves the way for reciprocal visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the two African nations.

By Ismaila M.S.Naban

The agreement was concluded during the official state visit of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to The Gambia, where both countries also signed a Joint Communiqué reaffirming their commitment to deepening their longstanding friendship and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Joint Communiqué was presented by The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, and signed by Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny, alongside Justice Minister Jallow on behalf of the Gambian government.

According to The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice, the agreements reflect the shared vision of President Adama Barrow and President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to enhance bilateral cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural, and technical fields.

The ministry said both governments also pledged to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

“As part of the renewed partnership, both countries signed a General Cooperation Agreement, an Agreement establishing the Gambia–Gabon Joint Commission, an Agreement on Reciprocal Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs,” the Ministry of Justice said in a media release.

President Barrow and his Gabonese counterpart further reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, security, regional integration, multilateralism, and South-South cooperation as key pillars for Africa’s sustainable development and shared prosperity.

The Ministry of Justice described the signing of the Joint Communiqué as another important milestone in strengthening the historic relationship between The Gambia and the Republic of Gabon, noting that it establishes a solid foundation for deeper cooperation and mutual benefit.

During his multi-day state visit, President Oligui Nguema toured several key government infrastructure projects and historic sites in The Gambia. His itinerary included visits to the National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory and the University of The Gambia’s Faraba Campus, where he was accorded official state hospitality.

The latest agreements are expected to boost diplomatic engagement, facilitate official travel between the two countries, and create new opportunities for cooperation in areas that support economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.