Visiting Vice Premier Huang Ju met in Tananarive Tuesday with Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana. Both leaders agreed to adopt concrete measures to lift bilateral relations to a new level.

Huang said that China attaches great importance to cooperation with Madagascar because of "its important role in protecting the common interests of African people and pushing forward common development of African nations."

Ravalomanana said that cooperation with China has been highly fruitful, and Huang's visit has once again demonstrated China's sincerity in promoting bilateral relations to a new height.

He reiterated Madagascar's continued stance of adhering to the one-China policy and wish for the unification of China as soon as possible.

Interaction between China and Madagascar could be dated as far as the 15th century when Chinese people emigrated here.

Huang also met Senate President Guy Rajiemison Rakotomaharo and National Assembly President Jean Rahiniriko.

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2005)