The proposal includes enhancing political relations, deepening
mutually beneficial cooperation and expanding cooperation in the
fields of education, culture, public health and development of
human resources.
Hu said that China would maintain high-level contact with
Madagascar and enhance consultations, coordination and cooperation
in affairs between the two countries' governments.
He pointed out that China encourages its enterprises to invest
in Madagascar and will continue to offer help wherever
possible.
China and Madagascar have enjoyed a long friendship and
bilateral relations have developed steadily, noted Hu. Their
cooperation in all fields, since the establishment of diplomatic
ties, has borne fruit.
Hu expressed his appreciation of Ravalomanana's adherence to the
one-China policy and the seriousness with which he has viewed
Madagascar's relations with China during his presidency.
Hu said that China has long valued its relations with African
countries, and will, through the mechanisms of the
China-Africa Cooperation Forum, build a long-term, stable and
cooperative partnership with these countries in accordance with the
principles of mutual benefit and common progress.
Ravalomanana expressed gratitude for Chinese people's generous
assistance and support to Madagascar over the years. He said that
he had come to China to study its experience in reform and economic
development, advance the friendly relationship and expand
cooperation in such fields as infrastructure construction and
development of natural and human resources.
He reaffirmed that Madagascar would firmly adhere to the
one-China policy and support China's peaceful reunification.
After their talk, the two presidents attended a ceremony to sign
an agreement between China and Madagascar on economic and
technological cooperation.
(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2004)