According to the Angolan ambassador to Gabon, Joaquim Espírito Santo, quoted by Angop, the release of the seven Angolan fishermen is scheduled for this Monday.
Cases of Angolan fishermen being detained, tried and convicted in Gabon for alleged illegal fishing are recurrent, which led to a reaction from the Government in 2023 regarding the situation of these citizens in Gabonese territory.
Joaquim Espírito Santo said that João Lourenço is in Gabon for a visit of a few hours, to revitalize bilateral relations, which are “in a state of lethargy”, 43 years after the signing of the first cooperation agreement between the two States.
The visit will also allow the review of the 11 existing agreements between the two countries and the implementation of new intentions, in the areas of agriculture and energy, the blue economy and justice.
“We note that Gabon needs Angola's experience, especially when it comes to building infrastructures”, said the diplomat.
João Lourenço will meet with his Gabonese counterpart, Brice Nguema, with whom he is also expected to discuss matters related to the Central African region.
