EU helps Madagascar reduce poverty

The European Commission said on Monday it would provide 581 million euros (616 million U.S. dollars) to Madagascar to go toward development cooperation programs aimed at reducing poverty in African countries between 2014 and 2020.

The intent of the new program is to tackle poverty through inclusive and sustainable growth.

"The European Union is fully committed to working in close cooperation with Madagascar to achieve this ambitious goal," said Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for international cooperation and development.

This long-term development aid plans to contribute to stability by strengthening good governance, to advance economic growth and sustainable development through actions on infrastructure and rural development, and to improve the delivery of basic services to the population.

Mimica also urged the president of Madagascar to show strong leadership and take bold reforms.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, where some 92 percent of the population live on less than 2 U.S. dollars per day.

The African country has experienced cyclical political crises -- the latest one was in 2009-2013 -- and is also highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as floods, droughts and infestation of locusts. Endit