ANTANANARIVO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States has removed restrictions on assistance to Madagascar, a statement from the U.S. Department of State spokesperson forwarded on Wednesday by Madagascar's presidency said.
U.S. lifted all remaining restrictions on direct assistance to the government of Madagascar considering its successful elections in 2014, and the installation of a new government earlier this year, according to the statement.
U.S. also invited Madagascar President Rajaonarimampianina to the country to participate the Africa Leaders Summit in August, 2014, as the African Union (AU) has lifted its suspension of Madagascar's membership.
The Malagasy Government expressed its appreciation to the U.S. government for the invitation.
U.S. provided more than 55 million dollars in food security and health programs in 2013, according to the statement.
Amid the political crisis which exploded in Madagascar in 2009, U.S. suspended Madagascar from its program African growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allowed the Indian Ocean island country to export without tax its textile products to U.S..
Due to the suspension of AGOA, hundreds of thousands jobs were lost, making the country among the poorest countries in the world.
