On May 16, 2019, Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with outgoing Yemeni Ambassador to China Mohammed Osman Mekhlafi.

Speaking positively of the efforts Mohammed Osman Mekhlafi made during his term of office to push China-Yemen relations, Chen Xiaodong hoped that he will continuously care for and support the friendly causes between China and Yemen in the future. Mohammed Osman Mekhlafi spoke highly of Yemen-China relations, thanked the Chinese side for the strong support during his tenure, and expressed that he will be committed to promoting bilateral friendship as always.