Talks between Russia and Madagascar will give “new impetus” to bilateral relations and deepen cooperation across all areas, Malagasy Foreign Minister Alice N’Diaye has said during a visit to Moscow.
Speaking after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday, N’Diaye said recent high-level contacts between the two countries, including the visit of Madagascar’s leader to Russia, demonstrate Antananarivo’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Moscow.
“This meeting between the foreign ministers will contribute to the deepening of our strategic cooperation in all areas,” N’Diaye said.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding political dialogue and strategic cooperation. The ministers highlighted opportunities for closer collaboration in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, as well as the extraction and processing of mineral resources. Lavrov also pointed to prospects in transport and geological exploration.
“Russia is a lever for economic development, for the development and enhancement of our national security,” N’Diaye stated.
Lavrov pledged continued support for Madagascar in addressing socio-economic challenges, including through the training of national specialists and assistance in developing the country’s epidemic-response capabilities.
He noted that Russia delivered another batch of humanitarian aid to Madagascar on June 9 to help the country deal with the aftermath of Cyclones Fitia and Gezani.
Education was another focus of the talks. Madagascar’s Foreign Ministry and Russia’s MGIMO University signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at expanding training opportunities for Malagasy diplomats and civil servants.
“There is interest in such internships at our diplomatic academy, and we will support it in every possible way and strive to meet the expectations of our friends,” Lavrov said.
Responding to a question during a press conference, Lavrov said Moscow’s approach remains focused on supporting African sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency. He stressed that Western countries have profited from Africa’s natural resources while doing little to promote local industrial development, contrasting this with the Soviet Union’s role in building industries, education systems, and healthcare infrastructure across the continent.
The minister also noted that “the French maintain an illegal presence, including on islands that belong to Madagascar”.
The meeting comes amid growing engagement between Moscow and Antananarivo. In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Madagascar’s interim leader in Moscow. Security ties have also expanded in recent months. On June 16, instructors from the Russian Defense Ministry’s Africa Corps completed a six-week training program for Madagascar’s Cabinet security service.