Madagascar is seeking to redefine its place in the world. To this end, the national diplomatic conference that began yesterday aims to prepare a white paper. Beyond diplomats, military officials and political actors participated in yesterday's first roundtable.
A new direction. The national conference on Malagasy diplomacy, which opened yesterday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Anosy, aims to drive a new orientation of the Great Island's international relations. The goal is to move from being a spectator to becoming a full-fledged actor.
"What diplomacy do we want for Madagascar in the future?" This is the central question that participants in the five roundtables, which will be the highlights of these conferences, must answer. In her opening address, Alice N'Diaye, Minister of Foreign Affairs, set the tone by declaring that "in a changing world, Madagascar cannot remain a mere spectator. We must anticipate changes, assess their potential impact, and act in the country's interest."
Geopolitical upheavals, the emergence of new centers of power, and intensifying 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 growing in importance. In this new configuration, Madagascar's geographical position in the heart of the Indian Ocean and near the Mozambique Channel represents a strategic asset to be better exploited.
To the central question previously mentioned, Minister N'Diaye adds: "At what level do we want to place Madagascar by 2040 or 2050?" "What are the strategic interests we must necessarily defend and what type of participation should we consolidate?"
White Paper
This opening aligns with the theme of the first roundtable on "Madagascar's strategic vision and international positioning." During discussions, one of the challenges highlighted is building a diplomacy "in tune with its time, which commands respect, affirms sovereignty, national values and identity, and acts as a true engine of national development." At first glance, the desired new direction is to have a diplomacy capable of establishing 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 defending the country's sovereignty and higher interests. Among the areas of effort highlighted is also diplomacy as an engine of the country's economic development. The way international relations are conducted to truly serve the national economy is thus a question on which conference participants will reflect. Country attractiveness, growth, industrialization, job creation, and investments are cited among the objectives to which external action must contribute. Economic diplomacy must in particular be brought closer to the needs of Malagasy businesses.
Debates on the new diplomatic orientation are also intended to be broader and take into account how to better promote national culture and heritage internationally. To be a vector of cooperation in higher education and scientific research. There is also the question of security, particularly maritime security given the economic, strategic, and geopolitical stakes of the Indian Ocean. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister's address, this new diplomatic orientation also requires a transformation of the diplomatic apparatus.
The government member thus mentions the need to strengthen resources and modernize diplomatic structures. Updating the training of Malagasy diplomats so they are better equipped to face new challenges in international relations is another area of reflection during these national diplomatic conferences. Participants in the conferences, which will last ten days, will thus have much to discuss. The outcome of the debates will be recorded in a "white paper." A document that will ultimately become the new framework for the Great Island's foreign policy. Provided it is taken into account by state decision-makers.