On the afternoon of May 13, 2004, President Hu Jintao held talks in the Great Hall of the People with President Marc Lavalomanana of the Republic of Madagascar. The two sides exchanged in-depth views and reached broad consensus on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

Hu Jintao made positive remarks on China-Madagascar relations. He said the peoples in China and Madagascar enjoy a long history of friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 32 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing steadily. The two countries have conducted productive cooperation in various fields and fostered close coordination in international affairs. Hu Jintao expressed his appreciations to President Lavalomanana for attaching importance to developing relations with China and upholding the one-China policy since he took office.

To further consolidate and develop bilateral friendly cooperative relations, Hu Jintao put forward a three-point proposal:

First, enhance political exchanges, expand mutual trust and promote the continuous development of bilateral political relations. The Chinese side would like to maintain top-level exchanges with Madagascar, strengthen consultations between government departments in the two countries and intensify bilateral coordination and cooperation in international affairs.

Second, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development. The Chinese side encourages capable businesses to invest and set up plants in Madagascar and supports enhanced cooperation between the business communities in the two countries. China would like to continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Madagascar and would like to further explore and implement new ways and measures to expand cooperation between the two sides.

Third, expand bilateral cooperation in education, culture, health and human resources development and boost understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

President Lavalomanana indicated that he fully agreed with President Hu Jintao's remarks on China-Madagascar relations and proposals on further consolidating and developing bilateral friendly cooperation. He stressed that through this important visit, he wishes to thank the Chinese people for their selfless assistance and support over the years and learn from the precious experience China has gained in the process of reform and opening up as well as economic development. He also hopes to promote bilateral friendly relations and expand bilateral cooperation in infrastructure construction as well as natural and human resources development. Madagascar sincerely welcomes more Chinese businesses to be involved in the economic development of Madagascar. President Lavalomanana reiterated his government's adherence to the one-China policy and support for the lofty cause of china's peaceful reunification.

Hu Jintao said that China has been giving high priority to China-Africa relations and would like to further expand and deepen friendly cooperation with African countries through the effective mechanism of China-Africa Cooperation Forum based on the principles of mutual benefit and common development. China would like to make joint efforts with the African Union and African nations in developing a long-term and stable new partnership on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and comprehensive cooperation between China and Africa.

President Lavalomanana said China has been playing an important and active role in international affairs, particularly in firmly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. Covering all aspects of cooperation and taking full consideration of the specific conditions of African countries, China-Africa Cooperation Forum demonstrates the genuine aspiration of China to develop friendship and cooperation with Africa.

Following the talks, the two heads of state attended the signing ceremony of the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Governments of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Madagascar and other cooperation documents.

Prior to the talks, President Hu Jintao held a welcoming ceremony for President Lavalomanana on his visit to China at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.