The House of Representatives Speaker, Rachid Talbi El Alami, was received on Saturday at the Iavoloha Presidential Palace in Antananarivo by the re-elected President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina. El Alami represented King Mohammed VI at Rajoelina's official inauguration ceremony, which took place on Saturday in the Barea stadium in Antananarivo, in the presence of several heads of state, government and parliament. The audience was attended by André Haja Resampa, Madagascar's Minister of Youth and Sports, and Khalid Sebti, Deputy Head of Mission at the Moroccan Embassy in Madagascar. El Alami told MAP news agency that he had conveyed the greetings and congratulations of King Mohammed VI to Andry Rajoelina on his re-election and the confidence placed in him by the Malagasy people. During the audience, the Lower House Speaker also highlighted the historic and distinguished relations between the leaders and peoples of the two countries. He also reiterated the Kingdom of Morocco's readiness to breathe new life into and promote excellent bilateral relations in various fields. For his part, the Malagasy Head of State expressed his gratitude to the King, and his readiness to further strengthen the relations of sincere friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The President expressed his thanks to the Sovereign for financing and building a hospital and training center in Antsirabe. He also announced that his country will shortly be opening an embassy in Morocco. The issue of Morocco's territorial integrity was raised on this occasion, with Rajoelina reaffirming that Madagascar has always stood and will continue to stand by Morocco, a brotherly and friendly country, and that relations between Antananarivo and Rabat are fraternal, historic and honest. The audience was an opportunity for both parties to stress the importance of consolidating ties between the two countries, through air transport and investments. The aim is also to create spaces for communication between investors, to raise awareness of each country's capacities and potential, and to exchange expertise and experience, particularly in the agricultural sector.
