Ban welcomes three-party ministerial meeting on dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon

United Nations Secretary-General today welcomed the holding of a trilateral ministerial meeting on the dispute between Equatorial Guinea and the Gabonese Republic.

The meeting took place last Tuesday United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The longstanding dispute between the two nations regarding the Mbanié, Cocotiers and Congas islands, and common boundaries, dates back to the early 1970’s.

“He congratulates both parties for their demonstrated political will to instil new momentum in the process and to finalize a special agreement for submission to the International Court of Justice,” indicated a

statement issued by Mr. Ban’s Spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General notes the progress made to date and the parties’ willingness to do their utmost to come to a mutually agreeable solution to this longstanding dispute before the end of his mandate,” it added.

The UN chief also reiterated his readiness “to provide good offices to help resolve this dispute.”