Gabon leader praises Bush on Iraq, Sudan

WASHINGTON, May 26 (AFP) — President Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon praised US President George W. Bush’s policies on Iraq, human trafficking and Sudan’s battle-ravaged Darfur region after they met at the White House.

“We discussed all of those things, and I think that what President Bush is doing in those areas heartens the entire world, and I think that we will continue to support him,” the visiting leader said after the meeting.

Bongo told reporters that he and Bush discussed the “economic, political and finance-related problems” in US-Gabon ties during what he called a “very fruitful” exchange.

“Our discussions centered on cooperation between Gabon and the United States of America, and I’m pleased with the support the US government provides and will continue to provide Gabon’s government,” he said.

“We have decided to deepen our partnership for the benefit of our two peoples,” he said.

Since the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington, the United States has shown increasing interest in oil-rich west and central African countries as an alternative to its supplies from the Middle East.

Washington last year pumped some 200,000 dollars (161,000 euros) into an international military training program to have Gabonese naval officers trained in the United States, according to the US embassy in Gabon.