On October 13, 2016, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming met with outgoing Beninese Ambassador to China Sèdozan Jean-Claude Apithy.

Speaking positively of Sèdozan Jean-Claude Apithy's contributions to the development of China-Benin relations during his tenure, Zhang Ming hoped that he will continuously care for and support bilateral friendly cooperation. Sèdozan Jean-Claude Apithy thanked China for providing valuable support during his term of office, and expressed that he will continue to devote himself to advancing bilateral friendship.