After May 29, 2019, August 27, 2021 and August 19, 2022, a fourth face-to-face exchange between the Malagasy and French Presidents took place on June 9, 2023. Still at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
France, through the voice of President Emmanuel Macron, renewed its support and commitment to the projects and achievements of the Madagascar Emergence Plan, and its results for the development of Madagascar.
These development actions, which France actively encourages and supports, include a large-scale irrigation program intended to cover southern Madagascar. French cooperation in this essential area has been confirmed and will continue, thus contributing to food security and the well-being of the Malagasy population.
In the transport sector, France and Madagascar are planning a significant collaboration to redeploy the strategy of Madagascar Airlines, with the technical assistance of Airbus. This cooperation will be based on major improvements for Malagasy air transport, thus offering opportunities for expansion and modernization.
Madagascar’s energy transition was mentioned because it is an area in which France has expressed its willingness to provide support, with particular emphasis on the development of solar energy. This support will be essential to ensure a sustainable future for the Big Island in the Indian Ocean.
In addition, President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s willingness to support Madagascar in its maritime policy. President Andry Rajoelina then underlined the importance of the modernization of the SECREN shipyard and the integration of Madagascar into the Atalanta II operation. These strategic efforts will help strengthen Madagascar’s maritime position.
Regarding the presidential election of this year 2023, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France strongly supports Madagascar’s efforts to organize free, transparent and democratic elections. France has thus expressed its interest in contributing to the Basket Fund (common financing fund) and will send observers to Madagascar. France also encourages the EU to mobilize in this direction.
The “Summit for a New Global Compact”, which will be held on June 22 and 23, 2023, and in which President Andry Rajoelina will participate, will serve to make concrete progress in bilateral decisions, by placing access to climate finance and support for Madagascar at the heart of discussions. This is part of a desire to strengthen Madagascar’s position and rebalance trade between Africa and France.
This fourth face-to-face meeting of the Malagasy and French Presidents lasted an hour and at no time were the Scattered Islands or the Apollo 21 affair mentioned.
Collected by Jeannot RAMAMBAZAFY
Source: Elysee
