Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the President of the Madagascar Renewal Fund Michael Randrianinina on the margins of the Third Russia. Africa Summit (Moscow, October 30, 2026) Vladimir Putin: We enjoy long-standing friendly ties with Madagascar. Next year we will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our talks in Moscow in February gave new impetus to strengthening cooperation between Russia and Madagascar on a wide range of issues. There is, of course, considerable untapped potential for bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Trade remains relatively modest in absolute terms, but it is gaining momentum, and the trends are positive. We also attach great importance to the expansion of humanitarian ties. About 5,000 students from your country have already received education in Russia. In April, the University of Antananarivo concluded a cooperation agreement with the University of St. Petersburg, and in June, MGIMO University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar signed a Memorandum of Understanding. I understand that you have been awarded an honorary professorship by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Please accept my greetings. I would also like to emphasize that in April, the Russian Orthodox Church received legal status in Madagascar. Thank you for that. This is an important development, given that the church has more than 1,500 parishioners on the island. We certainly see your country as an important partner in shaping a polar world order and a balanced and just system of international relations. We are ready to expand our cooperation in international forums, including, of course, the most senior of them - the United Nations.

Opening remarks of Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the President of the Madagascar Renewal Fund Michael Randrianinina on the margins of the Third Russia. Africa Summit (Moscow, October 30, 2026) Vladimir Putin: We enjoy long-standing friendly ties with Madagascar. Next year we will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our talks in Moscow in February gave new impetus to strengthening cooperation between Russia and Madagascar on a wide range of issues. There is, of course, considerable untapped potential for bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Trade remains relatively modest in absolute terms, but it is gaining momentum, and the trends are positive. We also attach great importance to the expansion of humanitarian ties. About 5,000 students from your country have already received education in Russia. In April, the University of Antananarivo concluded a cooperation agreement with the University of St. Petersburg, and in June, MGIMO University and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar signed a Memorandum of Understanding. I understand that you have been awarded an honorary professorship by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Please accept my greetings. I would also like to emphasize that in April, the Russian Orthodox Church received legal status in Madagascar. Thank you for that. This is an important development, given that the church has more than 1,500 parishioners on the island. We certainly see your country as an important partner in shaping a polar world order and a balanced and just system of international relations. We are ready to expand our cooperation in international forums, including, of course, the most senior of them - the United Nations.