The meeting took place on a Friday, and Michel Rabemahefa wore traditional Malagasy attire in accordance with PRRM instructions. Nearly three months after his arrival in France, the new resident at 1, Boulevard Suchet in Paris awaits the opportunity to present his credentials, which will officially confirm his appointment and accreditation as Ambassador.

Credentials in France
In France, the presentation of credentials takes place two to three times per year, giving President Emmanuel Macron the opportunity to officially receive newly appointed ambassadors. The ceremony takes place in the Salon des Ambassadeurs located on the ground floor of the Élysée Palace. The order of credential presentation is determined by each ambassador's arrival date in France. Having arrived in June, Madagascar's new Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, Michel Frédéric Joro Rabemahefa, will present his credentials after the earliest arrivals but before the most recent diplomatic chiefs to arrive in Paris.

Courtesy Visit
While awaiting the next credentials ceremony, the newly appointed ambassador is not yet officially accredited by the host country. He cannot request an audience with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée or Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu at Matignon, nor is he authorized to grant any interview related to his function. However, he can assume his duties at the Embassy offices located at 4, Avenue Raphaël in Paris and receive visitors at Madagascar's residence at 1, Boulevard Suchet. This was the case with Jean-Marc Grosgurin, France's newly appointed ambassador, who paid a courtesy visit to his Malagasy counterpart on August 21.

Franco-Malagasy Dialogue
According to a statement from the Malagasy representation, Grosgurin emphasized that Madagascar was a personal choice, noting his interest in the island, its culture, and values. Rabemahefa stressed the importance of deepening Franco-Malagasy dialogue within a bilateral cooperation framework focused on economic investments and balanced commercial exchanges, as well as strengthening youth skills as a lever for inclusive growth and sovereignty.

Diplomatic Immunity
Both ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to deepening dialogue and cooperation between Madagascar and France. Their remarks, posted on social media, raise questions about whether they granted interviews related to their functions at Madagascar's residence—a location that enjoys diplomatic immunity but not extraterritoriality. No one may enter without authorization from the mission chief, who opened the residence to his French counterpart while both await presenting their credentials to their respective host countries.