France can no longer rely on its cozy relationship with Gabon, announced the country's President, Ali Bongo Ondimba. His statement comes just days after the west African nation signed huge contracts with India and Singapore.

"France has partners, African states also have partners. They are not exclusive relationships. That no longer exists," Bongo told his first press conference since winning the presidential election in October 2009.

Gabon on Tuesday marked the 50th anniversary of its independence from France.

For decades, Bongo's father and predecessor, Omar Bongo, was a symbol of France's special relationship with its former colonies in the region, known as "Françafrique".

Gabon on Saturday signed contracts worth 3.5 billion euros with Indian and Singaporean companies for infrastructure projects.

Bongo dismissed any suggestion of a cooling in his country's ties with Paris, but said what was most important "is that we can develop our country".

France has fallen behind Asia's massive investment drive on the continent, which has seen China become Africa's biggest trading partner.