The newly appointed Gabonese Ambassador to Tunisia, Pierre Ntsiet Ngolo, has outlined his diplomatic roadmap following his arrival in Tunis last November. With over three decades of diplomatic experience, he is committed to deepening Gabon-Tunisia relations, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation while safeguarding the interests of Gabonese nationals residing in the country.
Since taking office, Ambassador Ngolo has prioritized fostering unity within the Gabonese community in Tunisia. This effort has led to the creation of two key platforms: the Conseil des Gabonais de Tunisie (CGT), a federative body uniting all Gabonese residents—students, professionals, and families—around humanitarian values, and the Association des Étudiants et Stagiaires Gabonais en Tunisie (AESGT), which supports the academic and professional journey of young Gabonese in the country.
The Ambassador highlighted the remarkable cohesion demonstrated during the first edition of the Gabon Cultural Days, held in April, which showcased the community’s solidarity and commitment to shared values. These initiatives underscore the importance of maintaining a strong, united presence abroad.
Strengthening academic and health partnerships
One of the cornerstones of Gabon-Tunisia relations is academic cooperation, with a significant number of Gabonese students and interns pursuing education in Tunisian universities. However, many face administrative hurdles, particularly in renewing residency permits due to delays in tuition fee payments. Ambassador Ngolo has called for urgent solutions to address these challenges, urging families and the Gabonese National Scholarship Agency to expedite support for affected students.
Healthcare collaboration also remains a priority, with Gabon leveraging Tunisia’s advanced medical expertise through a partnership between the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie du Gabon (CNAMGS) and Tunisian healthcare providers. This cooperation facilitates medical evacuations, ensuring Gabonese citizens receive high-quality care.
Economic diplomacy at the forefront
The Ambassador emphasized the need to consolidate existing gains while exploring new avenues for mutual growth. This includes enhancing economic diplomacy by facilitating business missions and fostering partnerships that align with both nations’ developmental goals. “Our shared ambition is to build sustainable prosperity through collaborative projects that harness the strengths of both Gabon and Tunisia,” he stated.
Ambassador Ngolo’s leadership has already yielded tangible results, including improved consular assistance for Gabonese nationals. “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, signaling a new era of trust and engagement,” he noted. His mission reflects a broader commitment to reinforcing Gabon’s diplomatic presence while ensuring the well-being of its citizens abroad.