On December 3 local time, President Xi Jinping met with President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali in Johannesburg.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the traditional friendship between China and Mali becomes firmer as time goes by. Plentiful achievements have been accomplished in bilateral practical cooperation in various areas. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Malian side to convert the advantage of their traditional friendship into a driving force for development cooperation. Both parties should enhance friendly exchanges at different levels and in various areas, and strengthen coordination and collaboration in international affairs. The Chinese side takes an active part in peacekeeping operations of the United Nations (UN) in Mali. Both parties should deepen cooperation in agriculture, mining industry, infrastructure construction, human resources development and other fields, and enhance exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, public health, youth, women, think tanks, media and other areas, so as to reinforce the social and public opinion foundation of China-Mali friendship.

Xi Jinping stressed that the hostage-kidnapping incident in the capital of Mali caused heavy casualties, including three Chinese citizens. The Chinese side strongly condemns the atrocity, and will strengthen cooperation with Mali and the international community to firmly safeguard the world peace and tranquility.

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita expressed that at first he'd like to extend profound condolences again for the three Chinese citizens killed in the hostage kidnapping incident. They came to Mali to help its national construction. Mali is always a loyal friend of China. The two countries enjoy a solid foundation in bilateral relations, and keep cooperation with mutual benefits and win-win results. Mali appreciates China's consistent support for Mali's peace, stability and development and China's active participation in the UN peacekeeping operations in Mali.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.