On Monday 26th January 2009, the Gabonese Ambassador to France, Mrs Félicité ONGOUORI-NGOUBILI, officially presented her Credentials as Ambassador, High Representative of the Gabonese Republic in France, to Mr. Nicolas SARKOZY, President of the French Republic.

The Credentials presentation ceremony took place at the Elysee Palace in the presence of the Secretary of State in charge of Cooperation and Francophonie, M. Alain JOYANDET.

After the ceremony, Her Excellency Mrs Félicité ONGOUORI-NGOUBILI stated:

“I remain firmly convinced that here in Paris I will find discussion partners who are open and attentive to Gabon’s concerns, and I am also persuaded that the Gabonese community in France will continue to make this battle its own, in the name of the prosperity of Gabon and in the strict respect of the preservation of the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation between France and our country. (…)

(…) It is at the cost of the participation of all in a spirit of dialogue, tolerance and peace, that we must accomplish the exalting but equally challenging mission of building a fairer world with more solidarity.

In this respect, Gabon, through my voice, intends to continue this combat by your side. Throughout my stay in France, I will strive to give a strong dynamic impulse so that a greater awareness emerges of the necessity and especially the urgency of together pursuing the efforts already made”.

She later made a speech on the occasion of the second ceremony which took place at the Hotel Westin in the presence of her peers and High Representatives.

On 6th June, Mrs Félicité ONGOUORI-NGOUBILI, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Omar BONGO-ONDIMBA, was appointed as Gabon’s Ambassador to France by the Council of Ministers. She replaces his Excellency, Jean-Marie Adzé, who has held the office since 5 January 2002. She is the second woman to hold the prestigious post of Gabonese ambassador to France, following in the footsteps of Mrs Honorine Dossou Naki. Appointed to the government, Mrs Dossou Naki was replaced by Mr Adzé.

Mrs Félicité ONGOUORI-NGOUBILI is also Ambassador of Gabon to Switzerland and Portugal.

Legabon.org, January 2009