The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, arrived in Gabon for her first official visit to the Commonwealth’s newest member.
The Secretary-General arrived in Libreville on 16 August.
During her four-day visit, she will meet the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba, and other senior government officials.
The visit represents an opportunity to establish the foundations of a new relationship between Gabon and the Commonwealth, understand the challenges of the country, and explore areas of mutual cooperation.
Last week, ahead of her visit, the Secretary-General said:
“We were thrilled to welcome Gabon into the Commonwealth family at our Heads of Government Meeting in June. I am very much looking forward to my first visit to the country and meeting with leaders, ministers and officials.
“As a new Commonwealth member, this important visit will allow me to deepen engagement with the country and its people. It will also serve as a vital opportunity to discuss ways in which the Commonwealth Secretariat can serve and support the Government and people of Gabon in advancing our shared values and achieving our shared goals.”
The Secretary-General’s visit also coincides with the 62nd Anniversary of the Independence of Gabon on 17 August, and she will therefore take part in the official celebrations in Libreville.
Learn more: The Commonwealth Secretariat