BEIJING — Vice-Premier Ma Kai met Beninese President Patrice Talon in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Sept 7, calling for closer cooperation between the two countries.

Talon is currently visiting China to attend a China-Africa investment forum.

Ma said that China attaches importance to its relationship with Benin and stands ready to strengthen pragmatic cooperation and diplomatic exchanges to benefit the economic and social development of the two countries.

Talon expressed gratefulness for China’s support of his country and pledged to work with China to foster the comprehensive China-Africa strategic partnership.