Exchange in the National Assembly of Madagascar

On May 12, a Chinese delegation led by Li Jun, former Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and Vice President of the CNIE, along with Ji Ping, the Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar, visited Madagascar. This marks the first time for Beijing Changier Education Foundation to visit the area. President Zhang Yinjun and a delegation of four participated in the visit activities.

Justin Tokely, Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar (The first one on the right), poses for a photo with Chairman Zhang Yinjun.

In the morning, the delegation arrived at the National Assembly and engaged in in-depth talks with senior officials, including Justin Tokely, the Speaker of National Assembly of Madagascar, Andriamananoro Razafinarivo Augustin, the Deputy Speaker, and Ms. Rakotonirina, Chairperson of the Population and Solidarity Commission. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in areas like bilateral trade, economic development, and cultural exchanges. At the meeting, President Zhang Yinjun highlighted the series of public welfare projects and plans promoted by the foundation in Africa, including women's and children's education, AIDS prevention, sexual health, and the culture of maternal love. She expressed her willingness to collaborate with the Malagasy side to empower local women and contribute to the healthy development of young people.

All participants posed for a group photo outside the Malagasy Parliament Building.

In the afternoon, the "Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity" China-Madagascar exchange meeting on popular cooperation, jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Madagascar and the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE), was held with great ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Madagascar. Representatives from the political, academic, and civil sectors of both countries gathered to witness the solid progress made in China-Madagascar cooperation across diverse fields such as education, culture, and public welfare. The main guests from Madagascar attending the "Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity" exchange meeting include Andriamananoro Razafinarivo Augustin, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, and his wife; Johnny Rakotoarisoa, Chairman of the Madagascar-China Friendship Group; Ms. Rakotonirina, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Population and Solidarity; Professor Rivoarison Randrianasolo, President of the University of Antananarivo; several parliamentary representatives; and descendants of the Malagasy royal family. President Zhang Yinjun and her delegation engaged with the aforementioned senior officials and shared their experiences on topics such as youth education and the promotion of maternal love culture at the exchange conference, garnering widespread attention and positive feedback.

Li Jun, the Vice President, stated that non-governmental organizations serve as an important bridge between the people of China and Africa. This event not only continues the tradition of friendship but also opens a new chapter for practical cooperation.

In his speech, Ambassador Ji Ping noted that as China and Madagascar approach fifty years of diplomatic relations, the friendship between the two nations has only grown stronger over time. He emphasized that the embassy will continue to pave a "bright path" for Chinese enterprises and social organizations to develop in Madagascar, and welcomes all sectors of Chinese society to participate in exchanges, investment, and cooperation in Madagascar.

Andriamananoro Razafinarivo Augustin, the Deputy Speaker of Madagascar, highly commended China's long-standing support to Madagascar in education, healthcare, and other sectors. He stated that the Assembly will continue to foster deep cooperation with Chinese non-governmental organizations.

Johnny Rakotoarisoa, Chairman of the Madagascar-China Friendship Group in the National Assembly, highlighted that Madagascar is eager to enhance exchanges with the Chinese people, foster friendship, and work together for the mutual benefit of both nations' citizens.

Ms. Rakotonirina, Secretary General of the Ministry of Population and Solidarity, also highlighted the indispensable role that Chinese civil society organizations play in assisting vulnerable groups and promoting gender equality.

Donation ceremony and cultural performances add color

A heartfelt donation ceremony was also held at the venue. The Beijing Changier Education Foundation donated a batch of family planning supplies to the Public Health Commission of the National Assembly of Madagascar.

During the event, students from the Little Nest School in Madagascar performed a song and dance program that blended Chinese and Malagasy cultures, while the Chinese delegation presented traditional Chinese folk music performances. The audience applauded repeatedly, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere.

Opening a new chapter in China-Madagascar people-to-people cooperation

After signing the agreement, Ms. Angeline Volanirina (The first one on the left), President of the Association DEFI Madagascar, and Ms. Zhang Yinjun, President of the Beijing Changier Education Foundation, celebrated the strategic cooperation with an embrace. The letter of intent for cooperation proposes joint actions in areas such as AIDS prevention education, sex education, mental health education, maternal education, and sustainable development education.

The guests gathered for a group photo to capture this significant historical moment of friendly exchanges between the Chinese and African people.

Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Ji Ping (The first one on the right) poses for a photo with President Zhang Yinjun.

Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Ji Ping (The third one on the left) poses for a photo with Changier delegation.

President Zhang Yinjun, together with Wang Changkun, Minister of the International Affairs Department, Zhang Xiang, Deputy Director of the Asset Management Committee, and Chen Xiaoyun, Deputy Dean of the Maternal Love Academie, participated in the aforementioned visit activities.