On May 14, 2004, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met in the Great Hall of the People with President Marc Lavalomanana of the Republic of Madagascar.

Premier Wen indicated that the Chinese government attaches importance to developing China-Madagascar relations. He expressed his deep appreciation to the Madagascan government for upholding the "one-China" policy, saying that the Chinese side would like to make joint efforts with the Madagascan side to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations.

When talking about economic and trade relations between the two countries, Premier Wen made positive remarks on the achievements and good momentum of China-Madagascar economic and trade cooperation. He also put forward three principled suggestions on future bilateral economic and trade cooperation. First, to broaden the areas for economic and trade cooperation based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit. Second, the Chinese side would like to continue to provide economic assistance within its capacity to Madagascar. Currently the priority should be given to the implementation of the newly-signed agreements on assistance funds so as to maximize their economic and social benefits. Third, to enhance exchanges between business communities. The Chinese side encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and start business in Madagascar and is willing to expand imports from Madagascar.

As for China-Africa relations, Premier Wen noted that it has always been a priority for China to develop traditional friendship and friendly cooperation with the vast number of African nations and that China will continue to increase assistance to Africa and enhance China-Africa cooperation in human resources development so as to boost China-Africa relations in an all-round manner.

President Lavalomanana expressed his deep satisfactions with the rapid development of Madagascar-China relations and the fruitful achievements of his visit to China. He said Madagascar boasts abundant natural resources and is faced up with the urgent task of development. There are bright prospects for Madagascar and China to conduct mutually beneficial cooperation in such priority areas for development as infrastructure, education and rural development. The Madagascan side gives high priority to China's experience in development and will make joint efforts with China to continuously strengthen and expand Madagascar-China friendly cooperation.