To reinforce international cooperation in the face of emerging crises, with a special emphasis on the economic, health and security challenges in the African continent. These were the topics discussed during the visit of the President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, to the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap.

Today, the Grand Master welcomed President Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema to the Magistral Palace in Rome, recalling the historic bond with the country, based on diplomatic relations dating back to 1963. Fra’ John Dunlap stressed their shared commitment to promoting international peace and dialogue as well as assisting the most vulnerable.

The Order of Malta has been active for over 60 years in Gabon, combatting leprosy, malaria, tuberculosis and ebola through numerous healthcare projects promoted by the Embassy and Ordre de Malte France. The Order’s French humanitarian association now runs six healthcare centres in various urban, rural and peripheral areas of the country such as Libreville, Port-Gentil, Makokou, Lambaréné and Mekambo. During the meeting the desire was expressed to expand activities in maternal and newborn health and women’s preventive care.

“The commitment to motherhood, healthcare and young people deeply reflects our vocation,” the Grand Master said. “There can be no sustainable progress without taking care of the youngest and most fragile”.

President Oligui Nguema expressed great appreciation for the Order’s centuries-old commitment to serving the most vulnerable, in the wake of shared values of solidarity, human dignity and peace.