Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alix-Ida Mussavu
Published on 2024-03-01 10:55:22
On February 29th, the ambassadors of the United States and Turkey in Gabon met with the Vice Prime Minister of the Transition. Both countries wish to support Gabon in the transition process and the implementation of projects to boost the local economy.
Vice Prime Minister of the Transition, Alexandre Barro Chambrier, received the US Ambassador to Gabon, Vernelle T. Fitzpatrick, and the Turkish Ambassador to Gabon, Can Incesu, on February 29, 2024. With each of them, he discussed strengthening cooperation with Gabon. “I am very pleased with this meeting with the Vice Prime Minister,” commented the American diplomat, reaffirming her country’s willingness to support Gabon in the transition process and socio-economic development. Vernelle T. Fitzpatrick said she discussed with the government official, “projects to boost the economy and meet the needs of the Gabonese people.”
She envisions a greater presence of American companies in the country to address certain issues, including youth employment, improving the water system, and roads. “It was necessary to see what the government’s plans are and how we can identify opportunities for the private sector in the United States,” she said. Having been in the country for six weeks, she said she had engaged in discussions to identify the priorities of the Transition government. “We are in the exploration phase,” said the American diplomat, accompanied by the embassy’s first counselor, David G. Mosby.
Can Incesu reiterated Turkey’s readiness to support Gabon’s development in clean energy and advanced infrastructure construction sectors. In his approach, he assured his host that Turkish companies awarded public contracts would scrupulously respect their commitments. “There have already been two contracts in the construction of hospitals signed by two reputable Turkish companies, and there are other projects being negotiated,” commented the Turkish diplomat.
“I firmly believe that these projects are useful here in Gabon and that the companies in negotiation are the right companies,” he added. The Vice Prime Minister, for his part, expressed Gabon’s interest in strengthening this cooperation for the realization of priority projects announced by the Transition authorities. This comes at a time when the next “Gabon-Turkey” commission will define the new directions of this bilateral cooperation.
Read the original article(French) on Gabon Review
