Equatorial Guinea–Gabon relations

Equatorial Guinea–Gabon relations are the bilateral relations between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The two countries share a 345 km long state border. Both countries are members of the African Union and Non-Aligned Movement.

History

The eastern border of Equatorial Guinea was established by the Franco-Spanish Convention signed in June 1900. Tensions exist between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea over the ownership of the Mbanié, Congo, and Cocoteros islands located in Corisco Bay. The waters surrounding these islands are rich in hydrocarbons. In September 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed an international mediator to help resolve the dispute.

Currently, the United Nations calls on Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty dispute over Mbanie Island and the smaller islands occupied by Gabon and to demarcate the maritime boundary in the hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay.

Trade

In 2009, Gabon exported goods worth USD 15.7 million to Equatorial Guinea. Gabonese exports included refined oil, large construction machinery, and trucks. Over the past 13 years, Gabon’s exports to Equatorial Guinea grew at an annual rate of 22.8%, from USD 1.09 million in 1996 to USD 15.7 million in 2009. In the same year, Equatorial Guinea exported goods worth USD 6.87 million to Gabon, including petroleum gas, tugboats, and earthmoving machinery. Over the past 13 years, Equatorial Guinea’s exports to Gabon increased at an annual rate of 39.2%, from USD 93,200 in 1996 to USD 6.87 million in 2009.

See also

• Foreign relations of Equatorial Guinea
• Foreign relations of Gabon

References

Gabon Category:Bilateral relations of Gabon