On November 29, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of Gabon in China jointly hosted a reception in Beijing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Gabon. The event was attended by Chen Xiaodong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Yan Dong, Vice President of the CPAFFC; and Baudelaire Ndong Ella, Gabonese Ambassador to China, who each delivered speeches. Approximately 350 representatives from all sectors of society in China and Gabon attended the event.

In his speech, Yan Dong highlighted the achievements in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between China and Gabon. He emphasized the CPAFFC's contributions over the past 70 years in fostering stronger ties and practical collaboration between China and countries worldwide, including Gabon. Yan expressed the CPAFFC's readiness to use the 50th anniversary as a new starting point to further deepen ties with Gabon across all sectors. He reiterated the association's role as a bridge for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, and youth friendship, pledging continued efforts to strengthen the China-Gabon comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Chen Xiaodong noted that over the past five decades, China and Gabon have consistently stood by each other, weathering challenges together and building a profound and enduring friendship. He highlighted the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in September, where Chinese President Xi Jinping, Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and other African leaders delivered a resounding message of solidarity and shared progress between China and Africa. The summit underscored the strong commitment of Global South countries to unity and cooperation, presenting a blueprint for advancing modernization together. Chen affirmed China's readiness to work closely with Gabon and other African nations to implement the outcomes of the summit swiftly and bring tangible benefits to the people of both regions.

Baudelaire Ndong Ella praised the historical foundations of the friendly relations between China and Gabon, established by the previous generation of leaders from both countries. Under the strategic leadership of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and President Xi Jinping, bilateral relations have experienced steady and sustained growth. He noted that China has become Gabon's largest trading partner and emphasized the fruitful outcomes of practical cooperation in recent years. Gabon remains firmly committed to the one-China principle and actively supports initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. These efforts showcase the Global South's contributions to addressing the challenges facing humanity and advancing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The reception concluded with captivating cultural performances by Chinese and Gabonese artists, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere that symbolized the enduring bond between the two nations.