Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Thursday as part of a European tour that includes France and Belgium, with the Malagasy leader’s visit coinciding with a major international summit on the future of space cooperation.
The meeting marked the second encounter between Randrianirina and Macron since the Malagasy leader took office, following his visit to Paris in February.
Randrianirina is in Paris to attend the International Space Summit at the Grand Palais, where representatives from nearly 120 countries are gathering for discussions on international cooperation in space.
The two-day summit, hosted by Macron on September 9-10, brings together governments, space agencies, industry representatives and scientists to discuss the future of the global space sector, including access to space, orbital infrastructure and international cooperation.
Around 2,000 delegates are expected to attend the gathering, which France has presented as an opportunity to strengthen international dialogue on space and promote a stronger European role in the sector.
For Madagascar, participation in the summit offers an opportunity to engage with international partners on technologies that are increasingly relevant to development, including satellite communications, environmental monitoring, climate observation and disaster management.
Strengthening Madagascar-France ties
Randrianirina’s meeting with Macron comes as Madagascar seeks to deepen its engagement with European partners during the country’s political transition.
France and Madagascar maintain longstanding political, economic and cultural ties, rooted in the two countries’ historical relationship. France remains an important partner for Madagascar in areas including trade, development and investment.
The latest presidential meeting follows Randrianirina’s February visit to Paris, underscoring the continued importance of France in Madagascar’s foreign relations.
The Malagasy leader is expected to continue his European tour in Belgium after his engagements in France.
