On February 28, 2018, Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with outgoing Angolan Ambassador to China Joao Garcia Bires.

Chen Xiaodong spoke positively of Joao Garcia Bires' contributions to promoting the development of China-Angola relations and deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields during his tenure, and hoped that he could continuously care for and support the friendly cause between China and Angola after leaving his post. Joao Garcia Bires appreciated China's precious support for his fulfillment of duties in his term of office, and expressed that he will continue making contributions to Angola-China friendship and cooperation.