On May 5, 2011, Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou met in Niamey with visiting special envoy of the Chinese government and Vice Chinese Foreign Minister Zhai Jun.

Zhai conveyed President Hu Jintao's cordial greetings and good wishes to Issoufou and extended congratulations on Niger's successful conclusion of the transitional period, formation of the new government and opening of a new chapter in building the nation. He said that China-Niger relations, with the joint efforts of both sides, have developed steadily since the two countries reestablished diplomatic ties in 1996. The two countries respect and trust each other politically, maintain sound communications and collaboration in international affairs and enjoy diversified cooperation in economy and trade. China is a good friend and good partner of Niger and expects to work with the country to expand the personnel exchanges at all levels, deepen the pragmatic cooperation in economy and trade and step up the exchanges and collaboration in the fields of education and culture, health and press so as to raise the bilateral friendly cooperation to higher levels.

Issoufou asked Zhai to convey his gratitude and greetings to President Hu. China, which is a major partner of Niger, has been actively participating in Niger's economic and social construction and implemented the second Niger Bridge and other important projects, for which Niger is grateful, said Issoufou. After the free and transparent election not long ago, Niger has embarked on the right path of stability and democracy. It hopes receive help from friends including China within the next 5 years to fulfill the targets raised in the policy agenda of the new government. Niger expects to actively explore the cooperation in infrastructure construction with China and welcomes investment from Chinese businesses. Issoufou reiterated that the Nigerien government resolutely pursues the one-China policy and believes that there is only one China in the world.

During the visit, Zhai also met with President of the National Assembly of Niger Hama and Nigerien Prime Minister Rafini and held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens Abroad Bazoum, exchanging opinions on the bilateral relations and the regional and international issues of common concern. The two sides also signed the economic and technical cooperation agreement between the two governments.