(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday reaffirmed his nation’s determination to reshape its engagement with Africa, emphasizing his support for “win-win partnerships” on the continent that respect the interests of all parties involved.

Macron made these remarks following his meeting with Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema in Libreville, marking the third stop of his ongoing African tour.

Reflecting on statements he made in Burkina Faso at the conclusion of his first term in 2017, Macron reiterated his belief in a reinvented approach to African relations, one “in a relationship that is respectful, where we must be exemplary to each other and where situations must lead to win-win partnerships.”

He stressed that Africa should no longer be treated merely as a source of raw materials, advocating for the development of new models of cooperation across diverse sectors, including energy and infrastructure.

Praising Gabon’s transitional process, Macron expressed his pleasure at returning to the country and recalled the 2023 coup that elevated Nguema to power as a pivotal moment in Gabonese political history.

“You opened a new era based on renewal, inclusiveness, and the plurality of opinions that our two countries deeply share. And it is for this reason that France has, from the very beginning, supported the transition,” he said.

Security remains a longstanding foundation of France-Gabon relations. Macron highlighted that their defense collaboration has been fully revamped, with France now providing the Gabonese military with enhanced training, joint programs, shared exercises, and equipment support.

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