The Confucius Institute General Director, Xu Lin was decorated Friday the Officer of National Order by Madagascar's Prime minister Kolo Roger.

"For all my life, I know that the Malagasy population like China and are friends of the Chinese people," Xu Lin said.

The decoration was given to Xu Lin because she was able to spread the learning of Chinese language in 43 sites in Madagascar for five years, the Malagasy Director of Confucius Institute in Antananarivo, Zo Rasendra said.

Before the ceremony, Xu was received by the prime minister in his office, where he said that Madagascar is proud of the development of China and wish to deepen cooperation with China.

"Learning of Chinese language is important for Madagascar's development because many Chinese businessmen work in Madagascar, and it made easy communication between us." Kolo Roger said.

According to the Malagasy law, the Officer of National Order is an honor to recognize persons who rendered services to Madagascar on administrative, political, economic, social and cultural areas, and those who showed courage and dedication during calamitous events.

Xu Lin was also received by Madagascar's minister of Higher Education Marie Monique. The minister said that speaking Chinese is important because China is the second economic power in the world and many Chinese businessmen also works in Madagascar.