Senor Mario Gibson Barbosa, the Brazilian Foreign Minister, arrived in the Gabonese Republic on Friday. The Minister, who is touring Africa to consolidate Brazilian amity with African nations, talked with President Albert Bongo. A joint communique was subsequently issued announcing closer ties between the two countries. Senor Gibson Barbosa also visited Port-Gentil, the country's second largest town, where he toured a petroleum plant.

Brazil is anxious to improve her general relations with African nations, both on cultural lines and in providing aid and establishing trade links. Senor Gibson Barbosa has pointed out that Brazil has more than a million black citizens descended from West African ancestors.

SYNOPSIS: Senor Mario Gibaon Barbosa, the Brazilian Foreign Minister, visited the Gabonese Republic during a tour of West Africa. Hoe called at the Palais Revolution to meet President Bongo.

The Brazilian Minster has been meeting heads of state throughout West Africa in a campaign to improve relations.

He and President Bongo held lengthy discussions at which they agreed on closer links, both cultural and economic.

The Gabonese Republic is one of the smallest countries in Africa and while not greatly developed, it has tremendous reserves of iron ore.