ANTANANARIVO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of China's first medical team being dispatched to Madagascar was held on Thursday in the southern city of Ambovombe.
In his address, Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina expressed gratitude to Chinese medical teams for the considerable assistance they have provided to the Malagasy people.
He said that since 1975, Chinese medical teams have worked closely with local counterparts in Madagascar's health sector, making an important contribution to the country's development, and reaffirmed Madagascar's readiness to deepen cooperation with China.
Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Ji Ping said that over the past half-century, more than 700 members of Chinese medical teams have served in Madagascar, offering medical services to local communities with dedication and medical expertise and writing a vivid chapter in the friendship between the two countries.
According to the ambassador, China will continue strengthening bilateral communication and actively advance some health projects to promote more pragmatic cooperation.
Li Xingxiang, head of the 24th Chinese medical team in Madagascar, said that Chinese medical workers, far away from home, have successively served in the country to build a solid bridge of health and friendship between the two peoples.
He said that the Chinese medical teams in Madagascar will remain committed to their mission and continue safeguarding the health of the Malagasy people.
During the event, the Chinese Embassy in Madagascar donated livelihood supplies to local residents and awarded scholarships to 100 local students.
Over the past 50 years, China has sent 24 batches of medical teams to Madagascar, providing medical services for nearly five million patient visits. ■
