On October 20, 2015, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming visited Beninese Embassy in China to offer condolences to former President Mathieu Kérékou of Benin and left a message on the condolence book. Zhang Ming noted that Mr. Mathieu Kérékou, who made great contributions to promoting China-Benin friendly cooperative relations, was an extraordinary leader of Benin and a good friend of the Chinese people. The Chinese side is deeply saddened by his passing and offers sincere sympathies to his family.

Ambassador Sedozan Apithy thanked Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming for his condolences, and said that he is willing to work with the Chinese side to make relentless efforts in further consolidating and developing Benin-China friendly cooperative relations.