On July 20, 2012, Vice President Xi Jinping met with Chairman of the African Union (AU) and Beninese President Thomas Boni Yayi at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi said although China and Benin are separated by vast oceans, the friendship between the two peoples has a long history. China and Benin have adhered to mutual respect, equality, cooperation and mutual benefit, bringing benefits to both peoples. China will continue to support Benin's efforts to accelerate economic development and improve people's livelihoods and is ready to extend friendly exchanges in more fields and at all levels, enhance exchange of experience on state governance and deepen pragmatic cooperation so as to push forward the ties, Xi said.

Xi spoke highly of the positive efforts made by Yayi, who is also the current chairman of the African Union, to push for peace and stability in Africa. China, as a sincere friend and partner of Africa, is confident in the prospects for Africa's development and will as always attach importance to Africa's concerns and interests. China will also support economic and social development in African countries as well as their efforts to strengthen themselves through unity and safeguard their interests in international affairs, Xi said. The current Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has made comprehensive planning for the development of China-Africa cooperation and the new initiatives announced by President Hu Jintao on behalf of the Chinese government on the China-Africa cooperation in the next three years are of great significance to promoting China-Africa exchanges and cooperation in major areas and supporting sustainable development in Africa.

Yayi said China is the best friend and partner of Benin and both sides have developed a sound relationship on the basis of mutual trust, assistance and support. Yayi said the FOCAC is an important platform to boost cooperation between China and African countries, as well as promote world peace, stability and development. The fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was a great success and the new measures proposed by President Hu Jintao have been deeply welcomed by African countries and will further cement traditional friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides, Yayi said. Yayi said Benin and other African countries welcome more investment from China and will cooperate with the country to implement the outcomes of the conference and deepen cooperation in fields including agriculture, infrastructure construction, education and human resource development. He also pledged to enhance coordination with China in international and regional affairs and push the new type of Africa-China strategic partnership to yield more fruitful results.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun, Chinese Ambassador to Benin Tao Weiguang and other officials attended the meeting.