Chinese premier meets Madagascar's PM on ties

NANJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Madagascar's Prime Minister Kolo Roger in Nanjing as they prepare to attend the closing ceremony of the second Summer Youth Olympics on Thursday.

Speaking highly of the traditional China-Madagascar friendship, Li said bilateral relations have maintained stable and healthy development.

China is willing to cement mutual trust with Madagascar and promote cooperation on energy, agriculture, husbandry, fishery, human resources, anti-poverty and other areas so as to lift relations to a new level, said Li.

He said China backs Madagascar's construction of special economic zones, industrial parks, transportation and telecommunication infrastructure in hopes of helping the southeastern African island country improve self-development.

Madagascar has one of the highest number of Chinese nationals in Africa, said Li, expressing hope that Madagascar would accommodate them.

Roger said the people of Madagascar have a feeling of brotherhood towards the Chinese.

Madagascar hopes to enhance cooperation with China in various areas, said Roger.

Chinese nationals and enterprises have made big contributions to the economic and social development of Madagascar, he said, adding his country will provide facilitation and assistance to them.

The Youth Olympics, a sporting event for young people aged 15 to 18 from around the world, was proposed by former IOC President Jacques Rogge.

Singapore held the inaugural Youth Olympics in 2010. The second Summer Youth Olympics run from Aug. 16 to Aug. 28 in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing.