On April 9, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with outgoing Zimbabwean Ambassador to China Martin Chedondo.

Chen Xiaodong spoke positively of Chedondo's contribution to the development of China-Zimbabwe relations during his tenure as Ambassador to China and said that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, China-Zimbabwe comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation has made substantial progress. China is ready to work with Zimbabwe to follow through on the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state and push for new and sustained achievements in bilateral cooperation.

Chedondo thanked the Chinese side for its support during his tenure in China and stressed that the Zimbabwean side cherishes Zimbabwe-China traditional friendship and will continue to work with China to support each other on major issues. Zimbabwe is willing to work with China to strengthen communication and cooperation, to push for greater development of Zimbabwe-China relations.