ANTANANARIVO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) always adheres to the principle of "serving the people" and "strives to find all means to bring a better life for the Chinese people," former Malagasy Prime Minister Norbert Ratsirahonana has said.
There is a "total symbiosis" between the CPC and the Chinese people, he told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview.
Having made four visits to China, 83-year-old Ratsirahonana noted during his last trip in December 2019 that "the advances have been even greater," not least the increase in real estate infrastructure, the improvement of road networks and the beautification of cities.
"China's growth rate has had an impact on the daily lives of the Chinese," he said.
Thanks to the firm "political will" of the CPC, absolute poverty was eradicated in China, he said.
The CPC, he said, not only listens to the interests of the Chinese people, but also promotes the common interests of all humanity.
In today's turbulent world, China's proposal of building a community with a shared future for mankind shows that it shoulders responsibilities not only at the national level, but also at the international level.
By advancing this idea, China has shown its determination to contribute to world peace, he explained.
"China is willing to share the benefits of its growth with other countries, with other populations that are still in poverty," he said.
Ratsirahonana said China's help to Madagascar speaks to that truth.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, there have been relations of brotherhood, solidarity and cooperation between Madagascar and China, he said, citing tangible aid provided by China in such fields as health, agriculture and infrastructure.
Highlighting the technological cooperation between Madagascar and China in the field of hybrid rice, Ratsirahonana said, "such cooperation really touches the daily life of every Malagasy."
He voiced his hope that China will continue to provide support, assistance and cooperation to help Madagascar achieve food self-sufficiency in the near future.
Regarding the upcoming 20th National Congress of the CPC, Ratsirahonana said the decisions that will be taken during the meeting will affect not only the lives of the Chinese people but also the lives of other countries in the world.