Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang, the special envoy for Chinese President Hu Jintao, on Tuesday attended the state funeral of Gabon's late President Omar Bongo Ondimba.

The vice premier said to Gabon's interim president Rose Francine Rogombe that President Bongo was a close friend to the Chinese people and he had made great contributions to the friendly relations between the two countries.

On behalf of President Hu, the Chinese government and Chinese people, the vice premier conveyed deep condolences to Gabon's interim leader and family members of President Bongo.

"The death of President Bongo is not only a huge loss for Gabon, but also a great loss for Africa as a whole," Zhang said.

For her part, Rogombe thanked the Chinese side for showing great respect for the late president, and said the African country would continue to strengthen the friendly and cooperative ties with China.

Leaders or representatives from around 60 countries, international or regional organizations attended the state funeral held here in the Gabonese capital Libreville.

The Gabonese government announced that President Bongo died on June 8 in Spain at the age of 73.