In a statement, the Presidency of the Republic confirmed on Friday 14 October the upcoming departure to London of the Gabonese head of state.
Ali Bongo Ondimba is expected on Monday 17 October in the British capital for the « flag-raising » ceremony, the raising of the Gabonese flag, a symbol of Gabon’s membership of the Commonwealth, an organisation of which the country became a member on 25 June last.
The information was leaked by several media last week. It is now officially confirmed.
Several meetings are already on the agenda of the Gabonese president during his stay in London. Some sources even mention a « probable meeting » with the new King Charles III.
The two men have known each other for a long time and are particularly fond of each other. « Their relationship is more than professional. They are clearly friendly, » says a person close to the Gabonese head of state. Ali Bongo Ondimba and Charles III share the same taste for history, as well as for the protection of biodiversity. Two subjects that regularly fuel their conversations.
Mr Bongo Ondimba’s last visit to London was barely a month ago. On 19 September, he was among the leaders invited to attend the official funeral ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II.
After this trip, the Gabonese head of state is expected in early November in Sharm-El-Sheikh for the COP 27 and in mid-December in Washington for the US-Africa Summit.
