On November 8, 2017, Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with outgoing Mozambican Ambassador to China Aires Ali.

Speaking positively of Aires Ali's contributions to promoting the development of China-Mozambique relations during his term of office, Chen Xiaodong expressed that the successful convening of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) marks that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, which will bring new opportunities for the development of China-Mozambique relations and China-Africa relations. He hoped that Aries Ali could continue to care for and support the cause of bilateral friendship after leaving his office.

Aries Ali congratulated on the successful convening of the 19th CPC National Congress and thanked China for providing strong support during his tenure. He noted that the Mozambican side attaches great importance to developing its relations with China and hopes to learn more from China's development experience. He himself will continue making contributions to Mozambique-China friendship and cooperation.