In a significant move at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Madagascar's President Andry Nirina Rajoelina on Friday. The leaders announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, marking a new chapter in China-Madagascar relations.
Reflecting on the 52 years of diplomatic relations, Xi emphasized the enduring friendship, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation that have characterized the ties between the two nations. \"Over the past decades, our countries have built a strong foundation of trust and collaboration,\" Xi remarked.
In recent years, both countries have deepened their cooperation across various sectors, enhancing political trust and fostering economic growth. Xi highlighted China's commitment to supporting Madagascar's path to modernization, tailored to its unique national conditions. This includes strengthening exchanges and expanding practical cooperation in areas such as hybrid rice technology, mining, new energy, the blue economy, and disaster prevention and mitigation.
Furthermore, China expressed its willingness to assist Madagascar in cultivating high-caliber talent and boosting people-to-people exchanges. \"By enhancing our people-to-people connections, we will solidify the friendship between our nations,\" Xi stated.
Madagascar holds a pivotal role in FOCAC, contributing significantly to its development. Xi affirmed China's dedication to actively implementing the outcomes of the Beijing summit, aiming to inject fresh momentum into the sustained and in-depth development of China-Madagascar and China-Africa relations.
This comprehensive strategic partnership not only underscores the deepening alliance between China and Madagascar but also sets the stage for enhanced collaboration and mutual growth in the years to come.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
