Meeting between Andry Rajoelina and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of (…)

2023-06-24 08:34:11

The strengthening of Madagascar’s cooperation with Japan is invited to the Summit for a new global financial pact. President Rajoelina indeed met the Japanese Foreign Minister, Hayashi Yoshimasa. This interview between the two personalities was held in the Residence of the Embassy of Madagascar in Paris.

Discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. In particular, there was talk of making available ammonium sulphate from the production of the company Ambatovy. This by-product is a major ingredient in the composition of fertilizer for our farmers. Indeed, the price of fertilizer being particularly high, the contribution of this large company belonging to the Japanese group, would be very useful for the farmers.

Through its head of diplomacy, Japan has expressed its desire to strengthen its support in increasing rice production in Madagascar, in particular by developing agricultural techniques and providing equipment. With the contribution of Japanese cooperation, Madagascar was also able to carry out the PC23 project, which made it possible to irrigate 10,000 ha of rice fields in the Alaotra Mangoro region.

Among the subjects discussed during this meeting were also the security issues concerning the Indian Ocean region and Madagascar, more particularly the question relating to trafficking in the Mozambique Channel. Japan therefore reiterated its support for the fight against illegal fishing. The Japanese Government recently donated 5 coast guard boats to Madagascar, 2 of which are already on the territory, and 3 others on their way.

In addition, the two countries will strengthen their cooperation in terms of the blue economy, through technologies for the protection of marine biodiversity.

Japanese-Malagasy cooperation is also reflected in further progress in the construction of road infrastructure, in particular with the donation of road construction machinery which will soon arrive in Madagascar. As a reminder, the construction of the Antsapazana and Mangoro bridges, in partnership with JICA, the Japanese cooperation agency, is being finalized and these infrastructures will be inaugurated shortly.