China-Madagascar cooperation makes remarkable impact

Friendly cooperation between China and Madagascar has been growing and has made remarkable impact, Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Shen Yongxiang told Xinhua on Monday.

The Chinese Ambassador said this during an exclusive interview with Xinhua on the occasion of celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationships between the two countries.

Shen said that Friendly cooperation between the two countries have both had similar past. "This is why China sees Madagascar as a friend and brother. China's policy is characterized by equality and mutual trust in politics, win-win cooperation in economy and exchange of mutual inspiration on cultural level," Shen said.

China is continuing its governmental aid through social and economic assistance to reduce the suffering of Malagasy people, to bring activities and exchanges in the field of education and culture, Shen said.

"To cement the relationship between the two countries, China currently expects the cessation of political crisis in Madagascar. Once the crisis is over, China will bring more government aid and bring cultural exchanges between the two peoples," said the ambassador.

"It should not be forgotten that China and Madagascar are two friendly and brotherly countries. Relations between the two countries are based on the traditional friendship between the two peoples and comply with common interests of both countries," Shen said.

"I hope we can work together and build a better future for the people of Madagascar, Africa and the world," said Shen.

The ambassador noted that there is no doubt that "China is a reliable partner and important for Madagascar." With this, there is a common wish to strengthen the diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries, Shen said.

Diplomatic relationship between China and Madagascar began on Nov. 6, 1972, but the existence of Chinese people in this Indian Ocean island country was already at the end of 18th century and the beginning of 19th century, according to the Malagasy historians. Recent archaeological research done in the north of Madagascar revealed that Chinese people already arrived in Madagascar in the 17th century.