On November 27, 2018, Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with the joint visiting delegation of the Malian government and relevant factions, which was headed by Minister of Social Cohesion, Peace and National Reconciliation Lassine Bouaré of Mali. Both sides exchanged views on China-Mali relations, the peace and reconciliation process in Mali and other topics.

Speaking highly of China-Mali traditional friendship, Chen Xiaodong lauded the positive progress in the peace and reconciliation process of Mali, and expressed that the Chinese side is willing to, together with the Malian side, propel the implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, so as to promote bilateral friendly cooperative partnership for constant development.

The Malian side thanked the long-term support and assistance provided by the Chinese side, and expressed the willingness to learn from China's experience in state governance and administration, and strengthen friendly cooperation in various fields with the Chinese side.