Morocco willing to help in Madagascar development, PM

Moroccan Prime Minister, Driss Jettou, on Tuesday voiced Morocco's willingness to contribute to Madagascar development, at a meeting with visiting President Marc Ravalomanana.

The premier said his talks with the Malagasy President were "very productive" and focused on means to bolster bilateral relations especially in officers' training programmes as Moroccan universities host over 7000 African students.

Talks also dealt with means to consolidate cooperation and training in agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors as "the kingdom is open and willing to take part in the development of bilateral relations for the welfare of the two peoples."

Accompanied with his wife, The President of the Republic of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana started Tuesday a three-day official visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI.

He is accompanied by a large delegation, including Senate Speaker, Rakotomaharo Rajenison, Deputy-Speaker of the National Assembly, Solofonamtenaina Razoarimihaja, Foreign Minister, Ranjeva Marcel, Environment Minister, Radotoarison Charles Sylvain, Culture and Tourism, Rabenirina Jean Jacques, Health Minister, Robinson Jean Louis and Agriculture Minister, Randriarimanana Harison Edmond.

Ravalomanana's visit, the first to the North African country since he took office in 2002, is intended to give a new impetus to bilateral relations.