For ten days, key figures in Malagasy diplomacy will examine the major orientations of the country’s foreign policy. The stated objective is to define a strategic vision to guide the nation’s external actions for the coming decades.
What kind of diplomacy for Madagascar tomorrow? This question will be at the heart of the National Conference on Malagasy Diplomacy, held from September 7 to 17 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Anosy. The ten-day event aims to collaboratively build strategic guidelines for Madagascar’s foreign policy.
The proceedings begin today with a roundtable on “Strategic Vision and Madagascar’s International Positioning.” This will set the tone for a series of discussions intended to inform the creation of a White Paper on Malagasy foreign policy. Subsequent sessions will cover economic diplomacy, sustainable development, territorial diplomacy, the diaspora, national security, and the modernization of diplomacy in the face of global geopolitical shifts.
Experts note that Madagascar faces a delicate balancing act: asserting national sovereignty and interests while remaining dependent on foreign aid and traditional partners. The conference seeks to explore ways to diversify international relations and strengthen South-South cooperation without alienating historical allies.
Economic diplomacy is a key focus, as the country struggles to attract private investment due to challenges like corruption and administrative hurdles, as noted by EU Ambassador Roland Kobia. The conference will also address the strategic use of natural resources and the country’s endemic ecological wealth to drive development.
Ultimately, the resulting White Paper is expected to provide a roadmap for a diplomacy capable of defending national sovereignty in a changing world order, while maintaining the partnerships essential for the country’s growth.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-07 05:53:59 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/affaires-etrangeres-les-diplomates.html