Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Chidi Blyden met with Gabonese Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda in Libreville to discuss how the United States and Gabon can strengthen the bilateral defense relationship. Following the meeting with Minister Raponda, Blyden met with Defense Minister Félicité Ongouori Ngoubili and their senior armed service chiefs to further U.S. and Gabon security cooperation and discuss ways to address mutual security challenges.
The U.S. - Gabon Senior Leader Defense Engagement was an opportunity for Blyden and Raponda to reaffirm the importance of the bilateral defense relationship. Blyden emphasized that the United States views Gabon as a valuable security partner in the region.
During Blyden’s engagement with Ngoubili, the two leaders exchanged ideas on shared security challenges, including Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing; illicit trafficking; violent extremist organizations; and ways both countries can work together to address environmental degradation, climate change, and training opportunities.
The United States has sought to develop a range of diverse partnerships such as in Gabon to strengthen the network of partners and allies across the African continent. This engagement and others reinforce the importance of working with our African partners to achieve mutual security goals.