Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Madagascar’s interim leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, during a meeting at the Kremlin, signalling Moscow’s growing diplomatic and strategic outreach across Africa.
Randrianirina, who assumed leadership after the former president fled the country following protests in October, travelled to Moscow for talks with the Russian government.
His visit came weeks after Russia delivered military equipment to Madagascar and expanded security cooperation with the island nation.
At the meeting, Putin described Madagascar as an important partner and highlighted areas of potential collaboration, including agriculture, energy, geological exploration, healthcare, and education.
He said Moscow was prepared to deepen bilateral ties across humanitarian and economic sectors.
Russia has intensified engagement across Africa in recent years, partly through security partnerships and the activities of groups such as the Wagner Group, while also competing for influence with Western powers, particularly France.
The Kremlin also conveyed condolences to Madagascar over a recent cyclone that claimed dozens of lives.
The Moscow trip marked one of Randrianirina’s first major foreign engagements since taking office.
Before departing his country, the interim leader said he had been invited by Russia, which also facilitated his travel arrangements.
Following his visit to Moscow, he is expected to continue diplomatic consultations in France as part of broader international engagements.
