On June 10, 2010, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya met with Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Moctar Ouane who was in China attending the First China-Mali Economic, Trade and Technological Joint Committee Meeting.

Wang said that Mali, as one of the earliest Sub-Saharan African countries establishing diplomatic ties with China, has a profound friendship with China. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, the bilateral relations have progressed steadily, with ever expanding pragmatic cooperation in various fields benefiting the two peoples. China expects to join hands with Mali to hold successful celebrations on the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, which China will take as a new starting point to work with Mali to promote the in-depth development of bilateral relations.

Ouane noted that the government of Mali pays great attention to the relations with China and feels satisfied with the sustained development of bilateral friendly ties. Mali thanks China for the long-term help it has provided for Mali’s economic and social progress and expects to strengthen coordination and collaboration with China to deepen the bilateral cooperation in all fields and benefit the two peoples.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the regional situation in Western Africa and other issues.