On August 28, 2012, Confucius Institute at University of Antananarivo held a Graduation Ceremony for its second cohort of mandarin majors. Mr. Wang Xiangyang, Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Madagascar, Mr. Jean-Jacques RAKOTOARISON, Director of Cabinet of MalagasyMinister of Higher Education and Research, Prof. Abel ANDRIANTSIMAHAVANDY, President of University of Antananarivo, the leadership of local Chinese Enterprises Association, the General Association of Chinese Merchants and Entrepreneurs, and Association of Chinese Community were invited to the ceremony.

The ceremony was inaugurated in the National Anthem of both Madagascar and China. Charge d'AffairesWang Director Jean-Jacques and President Abel made remarks for the ceremony and awarded diploma to the graduates.

Wang Xiangyang sent congratulations to the 23 mandarin graduates in his speech. He encourages the graduates to carry on the friendship between China and Madagascar, and promote friendly collaboration between the two nations. He reviewed the achievements in Sino-Malagasyeducational cooperation and sang high praise of the contributions Confucius Institute made to enhance Sino-Malagasy relations.

In their speeches, President Abel and Director Jean-Jacques expressed sincere thanks to Chinese government for its support for Malagasy education cause. Two graduates made their commitment to advance Madagascar's economic and social development, and promote Sino-Malagasy friendship with what they have learnt from Confucius Institute.

Among the 23 graduates, 5 were granted Confucius Institute Scholarship to pursue the studies of Master of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language in China; the other 18 were quickly employed by local Chinese enterprises.

The local press showed great interest in the ceremony, one TV station, two radio stations, and 8 newspapers covered the graduation ceremony.