Madagascar reiterates adherence to one-China policy

Taiwan is considered by Madagascar a Chinese province, Malagasy Foreign Minister Pierrot Rajaonarivelo said here Tuesday.

Rajaonarivelo made the remarks on a reception to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Madagascar.

After the United Nations recognized the legitimacy of the People's Republic of China on Oct. 25, 1971, "the Malagasy Republic decided to break diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, which was considered by Madagascar as a Chinese province, and to recognize one China," Rajaonarivelo said.

He reaffirmed "the unwavering commitment of Madagascar to the relationship, friendship and cooperation that unite it with the People's Republic of China, the unitary and indivisible country."

Diplomatic relations between China and Madagascar were officially established on Nov. 6, 1972.

In the past 40 years, Madagascar benefited from the aid of the Chinese government in such areas as agriculture, health, education and infrastructure, as well as loans and grants totalling more than 1.6 billion yuan (some 256 million U.S. dollars), Rajaonarivelo said.

Chinese Ambassador to the African country Shen Yongxiang said that in the past 40 years, bilateral relations experienced a steady and healthy development.

"Both sides have shown mutual understanding and mutual support in international and regional affairs, safeguarded the common interests of developing countries and carried out productive cooperation in economy and trade, education, health and so on," Shen said.

China would further strengthen cooperation with Madagascar in human resources development and education in the next three years, Shen said.

"I am convinced that the principle of mutual benefit, cooperation between China and Madagascar will continue constantly," said the ambassador.

The Chinese government hoped that Madagascar would work on an early settlement of its political crisis and create a favorable environment for its economic and social development, Shen said.