Two powers, the same objective. The head of state’s travels intend to position Madagascar at the center of a multipolar diplomatic game.
The president of the Refoundation of the Republic, Michael Randrianirina, is preparing to make a strategic trip to Moscow on February 19. The key is a possible meeting with Vladimir Putin and a high-level diplomatic sequence which confirms the intensification of relations between Antananarivo and the Russian Federation. In the process, the Head of State would also be expected in France on February 24 and 25 for an official visit under the sign of the “new Franco-Malagasy partnership framework”.
According to information gathered, a strong ministerial delegation will accompany the president to Moscow. A special Russian plane was reportedly chartered to transport the delegation. The aircraft would have already landed at Ivato airport last Monday, ahead of the official departure, scheduled for yesterday evening. This unusual logistical detail underlines the importance given by both parties to this visit. The expected high point of this trip would be a meeting with Vladimir Putin, which could crown this diplomatic mission. If confirmed, this interview would place Madagascar at the heart of a strategic dialogue with Moscow, in an international context marked by a restructuring of alliances and a renewed Russian interest in the African continent.
Defense. This trip is a continuation of a rapprochement already underway. On February 5, a Malagasy government delegation participated in the Russia-Africa dialogue in Moscow. The Minister of the Armed Forces, Ely Razafitombo, and the Minister of Mines, Carl Andriamparany, took part in this meeting. They held a working meeting with the Russian Deputy Minister for Energy, Pavel Sorokin. The discussions focused in particular on the strategic sectors of defense, energy and mining resources, pillars of a fully structured cooperation. With Moscow barely in the rearview mirror, Colonel Michael Randrianirina will head for Paris.
On February 24 and 25, according to consistent sources, he is expected in France for an official trip. The French press has already mentioned these dates. A meeting with the French private sector could be on the agenda, as could working sessions with the French government. Last January, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs announced, in a press release, the upcoming holding of a high-level meeting between the two countries to discuss the “new partnership framework”. This diplomatic sequence in Paris could thus mark a decisive step in the redefinition of relations between Antananarivo and its historic partner. In the space of a few weeks, the president of the Refoundation of the Republic therefore connects two major capitals, Moscow and Paris.
Rija R.