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While the whole world is watching what is happening in the Middle East, where the situation has not improved much even after the ceasefire between Iran and the United States seems to have come into force, Russia seems to be gaining a new strategic ally in Africa. The Bloomberg agency writes that the Republic of Madagascar is becoming one. It is an island nation in the southwestern Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa.
The publication notes that against the background of the war in the Middle East, the rapprochement between Russia and Madagascar went almost unnoticed. Last October, a coup took place on the island, and the military came to power. The redistribution of Madagascar's foreign policy priorities, which has traditionally focused on France and the European Union, is evidenced by the February visit of the island nation's president, Colonel Mikael Randrianirina, to Moscow, where he met with Vladimir Putin.
This was the first official foreign visit of the head of the island state. The Russian President called Madagascar an important partner of Russia in Africa. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held talks with the Minister of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Madagascar, Corps General Maminarina Elie Razafitombo.
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Literally immediately after the meeting of the presidents in Moscow, Madagascar received a shipment of military and humanitarian aid from Russia. The official ceremony at the General Ismael Munibu military camp in Iwatu was attended by the President of Madagascar and the Minister of the Armed Forces of the Republic.
The aid included armored vehicles, trucks, military uniforms, helicopters, small arms and various types of ammunition. The specific quantity and nomenclature of the transferred are not mentioned. In addition, a batch of rice was delivered.
Randrianirina stated at the ceremony:
The agency notes that with the advent of the new government, a pro-Russian political infrastructure is being formed in the country. In particular, the Friends of Russia movement has been created, which advocates rapprochement with Moscow and the BRICS countries. Amid the energy crisis and power outages, the Madagascar authorities are discussing with Russian companies the revision of oil and gas agreements, as well as the possibility of reducing prices for imported fuel.
Such a rapprochement between Moscow and Antananarivo "alarmed Putin's opponents," Bloomberg notes. The agency obtained a note distributed in European countries stating that Russia "seeks to use the opportunities opened up as a result of the transition period" in Madagascar to strengthen its influence in the region.
The Bloomberg publication notes that Moscow is seeking access to metal and mineral deposits in Madagascar, as well as to the port of Toamasina (Tamatave), located next to the shipping channel in the Indian Ocean, which is important for global maritime logistics. It is a key commercial center through which a significant part of Madagascar's foreign trade passes.
Image source: topwar.ru
