The Great Island aims to redefine its place in the world. To this end, the national diplomatic conference, which began yesterday, aims to prepare a white paper.
A new course. The national conference on Malagasy diplomacy, which kicked off yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Anosy, aims to drive a new orientation for the Great Island’s international relations. The idea is to move from a spectator role to that of a full-fledged actor.
“What kind of diplomacy do we want for Madagascar in the future?” is the central question that participants in the five roundtables, which will be the highlights of this conference, must answer. In her opening speech, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alice N’Diaye set the tone by stating that “in a changing world, Madagascar cannot be content with remaining a spectator. We must anticipate changes, assess their potential impact, and act in the country’s interest.”
Geopolitical upheavals, the emergence of new power centers, and the intensification of economic and strategic competition define the current context of international relations. There are also issues related to climate, energy, food security, migration, and digital technology that are gaining increasing importance. In this new configuration, Madagascar’s geographical position, in the heart of the Indian Ocean and near the Mozambique Channel, constitutes a strategic asset to be better exploited.
Regarding the central question mentioned earlier, Minister N’Diaye adds, “Where do we want to elevate Madagascar by 2040 or 2050?” and “What are the strategic interests that must necessarily be defended, and what type of participation should we consolidate?”
This introduction aligns with the theme of the first roundtable, “Strategic vision and international positioning of Madagascar.” During the discussions, one of the challenges highlighted is to build a diplomacy “in tune with its time, which commands respect, asserts sovereignty, national values, and identity, and acts as a true engine for national development.” At first glance, the desired new shift is to have a diplomacy capable of forging or consolidating partnerships, but above all, capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and strategic interests.
International openness must therefore go hand in hand with the defense of the country’s sovereignty and higher interests. Among the areas of effort highlighted is diplomacy as an engine for the country’s economic growth. How the conduct of international relations will truly serve the national economy is a question that participants will ponder. The country’s attractiveness, growth, industrialization, job creation, and investment are cited among the objectives to which external action must contribute. Economic diplomacy must, in particular, be brought closer to the needs of Malagasy companies.
The debates on the new orientation of diplomacy are also intended to be broader, taking into account how to better promote culture and national heritage internationally, and acting as a vector for cooperation in higher education and scientific research. There is also the issue of security, particularly maritime security, given the economic, strategic, and geopolitical stakes of the Indian Ocean. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, this new diplomatic orientation also implies a transformation of the diplomatic tool.
The government member mentions the need to strengthen resources and modernize diplomatic structures. Updating the training of Malagasy diplomats so that they are better equipped to face the new challenges of international relations is another area of reflection during this national conference. The participants, who will meet for ten days, will have plenty to work on. The outcome of the debates will be inscribed in a “white paper,” a document that will eventually become the new framework for the Great Island’s foreign policy, provided it is taken into account by state decision-makers.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-08 05:53:50 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/relations-internationales-madagascar.html