In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the President of Madagascar, Andry Nirina Rajoelina, on Friday during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. The two leaders announced the elevation of China-Madagascar relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
President Xi emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, highlighting the 52 years of diplomatic ties characterized by sincere friendship, equal treatment, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation. “In recent years, our countries have continuously strengthened mutual political trust and deepened cooperation in various fields,” Xi noted. “The people of China and Madagascar have gained a greater sense of fulfillment from our collaborative efforts.”
Expressing support for Madagascar’s independent pursuit of modernization in line with its national conditions, Xi Jinping affirmed China’s willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation. He pointed out that China is ready to promote pragmatic cooperation with Madagascar, continue assistance programs on hybrid rice technology, and explore collaborations in mining, new energy, the blue economy, and disaster prevention and mitigation.
“China is also willing to help Madagascar cultivate more high-caliber talent,” Xi added, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the foundation of friendship between the two countries.
President Rajoelina expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding support and highlighted Madagascar’s role as one of the first proponents of FOCAC. He acknowledged the positive contributions both countries have made to the development of China-Africa relations.
As the summit progresses, both leaders expressed a commitment to actively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing summit, aiming to inject new momentum into the sustained and in-depth development of China-Madagascar and China-Africa relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
