On May 24, 2011, Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping met in the Foreign Ministry with former Malian Prime Minister Keita.

Cheng spoke highly of China-Mali traditional friendship and introduced the development of China-Africa relations in recent years, especially the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. He hoped Keita will continue to display his positive influence and make greater contributions to further development of China-Mali, China-Africa relations.

Keita said he is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. Keita said during his visit, he felt once again China’s great development achievements, adding the African people are encouraged by and take pride in China’s success. China remains Mali’s most sincere friend. Today’s turbulent world needs such a development lighthouse and stability model like China. Keita also thanked for China’s long-standing help and pledged to do his utmost to push forward bilateral ties.