On November 3, 2011, Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, Souleylou Maiga, who is here for an unofficial visit.

Zhai, on behalf of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extended welcome to the delegation headed by Maiga. Zhai said that Mali is the all-weather friend and important partner of China, adding that China cherishes the traditional friendship with Mali and is willing to keep closer friendly exchanges at various levels, expand pragmatic cooperation in various fields and promote the bilateral friendly relations for new development.

Maiga said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, Mali and China have always adhered to the principle of solidarity and friendship and have worked together to promote sustainable, stable and harmonious development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations. Mali is satisfied with these achievements and is ready to enhance comprehensive cooperation with China.

The two sides also discussed the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and other issues of common concern.