On June 16, 2009, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang, the special envoy for Chinese President Hu Jintao, attended the state funeral of Gabon's late President Omar Bongo Ondimba in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. On behalf of President Hu, the Chinese government and Chinese people, the vice premier conveyed deep condolences to Gabon's interim president Rose Francine Rogombe, President of the National Assembly of Gabon Guy Nzouba-Ndama and family members of President Bongo.

The vice premier said that President Bongo, who visited China 11 times, was a close friend to the Chinese people and forged a strong friendship with Chinese leaders of several generations. Bongo also made a historical contribution to the establishment and development of friendly ties between China and Gabon, he said. The Chinese people deeply regret losing such a faithful friend and will cherish the memory of him forever.

Zhang said that President Bongo was an outstanding leader of Gabon, who had actively participated in the resolution of conflicts among African countries and pushed for the solidarity and cooperation of Africa. He enjoyed widespread respect from the international community. "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.

Zhang emphasized that the Chinese government cherishes very much the traditional friendship with Gabon and is ready to work the African country to keep closer friendly exchanges, deepen pragmatic cooperation and continuously open up the new prospect for bilateral ties.

Rogombe and other Gabonese leaders said the fact that President Hu Jintao sent Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang as his special envoy to attend the state funeral of late President Bongo in Gabon fully showed the Chinese side's respect for the later president, as well as the profound feelings held by the Chinese people towards the Gabonese people. They asked Vice Premier Zhang to convey their deep gratitude to President Hu and other Chinese leaders. The Gabonese side sincerely thanked the Chinese people for standing by the Gabonese people at the moment of grief and appreciated China's precious support. The Gabonese side will carry forward the cause left behind by President Bongo and continue to push forward the friendly and cooperative ties with China, they pledged.

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