On May 15, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with President of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana, who is here in China for the annual board meetings of the African Development Bank (ADB) Group in Shanghai.

Wen spoke highly of the sound momentum in the development of bilateral ties and appreciated Madagascar's adherence to the one-China policy as well as its long-standing support to China in international affairs. Despite the distance keeping the two countries apart, the friendly exchanges between the two peoples go back to ancient times, said Wen. China is satisfied with the status quo of bilateral ties, which can be seen in frequent high-level contacts and an increasing of pragmatic cooperation in all areas in recent years, he added.

Wen pointed out that the ongoing implementation of a five-year development plan in Madagascar offers opportunities for the two countries to work more closely on infrastructure, agriculture, energy and mineral resources. With applicable technology and experience, China is ready to conduct cooperation with Madagascar in those areas based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, he said. Wen also offered to help Madagascar with educational and public health undertakings.

Ravalomanana praised China's reform and opening-up and economic progress. Noting the two countries have broad common interests, Ravalomanana said Madagascar attaches great importance to cooperative ties with China and stronger China-Africa relations would provide an impetus to African economic development. Madagascar is pleased with cooperation with China and would like to expand such collaboration, he said. Ravalomanana reiterated that Madagascar will adhere to the one-China policy.