Three Chinese people were decorated by the Malagasy government on Tuesday for promoting relationship between China and Madagascar.

Zhong Liangting, head of Chinese medical team in Madagascar, was decorated of Grand Officer of Malagasy National Order, Jian Qinde was awarded of Commander of Malagasy National Order, while Liu Jie was decorated Knight of National Order, by the Malagasy minister of foreign affairs, Pierrot Rajaonarivelo.

The medals were done during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between China and Madagascar.

"The Malagasy government decided to award honors to Zhong Liangting, Jiang Qinde and Liu Jie, whose contribution is remarkable to promote friendly cooperation between the two countries. I would like to convey to them my warmest congratulations," the Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Shen Yongxiang said.

"To reward the good relationship that existed between Madagascar and the China, today we will reward three Chinese people, who have distinguished themselves in the work they do for the promotion of cooperation between Madagascar and China during many years. The Malagasy government decided to award them," the Malagasy minister of foreign affairs Pierrot Rajaonarivelo said.

On behalf of his colleagues decorated on Tuesday, Zhong Liangting, said "This honor not only belongs to me, but to all Chinese working here to enhance friendship between the two peoples. I will share this honor with my family and friends. We will cherish the friendship between two peoples forever."

China and Madagascar began their diplomatic relationship on Nov. 6, 1972, but the existence of Chinese people in this Indian Ocean island country was already towards the end of 18th century and the beginning of 19th century, according to the Malagasy historians.