Russian President Vladimir Putin backs Madagascar’s interim leader, pledging cooperation in energy, agriculture and healthcare as Moscow expands African ties.

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his endorsement to Madagascar’s new interim leader during a meeting at the Kremlin.

The talks with Colonel Michael Randrianirina underscore Russia’s ongoing push to expand its diplomatic and military influence across Africa.

Putin described Madagascar as an “important partner” on the continent.

“I would like to note that we have many interesting areas of cooperation,” the Russian leader said.

“These include agriculture, geological exploration, energy, medicine, healthcare and education.”

He added that Russia is “ready to develop these ties in the humanitarian sphere and others.”

The meeting represents one of Randrianirina’s first major international trips since becoming interim president in October.

He told reporters before departing that Russia had invited him and chartered his flight to Moscow.

The visit follows the deployment of Russian military instructors to Madagascar last month.

Those instructors provided training on military equipment supplied by Moscow, including drones.

Russia has sought to strengthen alliances in Africa and the so-called “Global South” amid sweeping Western sanctions imposed since 2022.

Its Wagner paramilitary group has been active on the continent for years, rivalling European powers like France.

Putin also expressed condolences for a recent cyclone that killed at least 40 people on the island.

Following his stop in Moscow, Randrianirina was expected to travel to France.

 The Sun Malaysia