As announced before his departure, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina met with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, yesterday. According to the Presidency, strengthening cooperation between the two countries was at the center of discussions. Colonel Michaël Randrianirina and Emmanuel Macron met at the Élysée Palace yesterday. It was a bilateral meeting, as described by the Élysée Palace in President Macron's agenda. "This meeting allowed for discussion on strengthening cooperation between the two countries," reported a brief statement from the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic. The meeting took place at the Élysée Palace yesterday at midday, following the opening of the International Space Summit. Cooperation between Madagascar and France was the focus of the meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Malagasy head of state Colonel Michaël Randrianirina on Wednesday at the Élysée. The two leaders met in Paris on the sidelines of the Refoundation president's participation in the International Space Summit. This was their second meeting since the senior officer came to power. During their first meeting on February 24, the French presidency released a statement following the Macron-Randrianirina encounter. This time, no joint communication has been published so far. On the Malagasy side, there is only the brief statement from the Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic. Strengthening bilateral cooperation between France and Madagascar was already highlighted following the February 24 meeting. "Consolidation of the political relationship, France's support for Madagascar's population and economic development within a framework of improved governance and business climate, and continued cooperation in security and defense matters, respecting the sovereignty of both states," were the points emphasized by the joint statement. Recognition Before departing for Paris on Wednesday, Colonel Randrianirina indicated the subjects that would be discussed with his French counterpart. He notably mentioned that the Volobe project "must be discussed" during this meeting. This project has been pending for about a decade due to several factors. Financial closing remains to be finalized. Negotiations on the kilowatt-hour rate and concession duration are also ongoing. During his visit to Madagascar in April 2025, Emmanuel Macron announced the entry of Électricité de France (EDF) into the capital of the hydroelectric power plant project. It is likely that the project's progress was discussed in Paris yesterday. Colonel Randrianirina also discussed the Volobe project yesterday in Brussels with Bart De Wever, the Belgian Prime Minister. After the meeting at the Élysée, the senior officer headed to Belgium where he met with the Belgian government chief. The Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic reports that the Belgian Prime Minister offered his support to "help Madagascar in negotiations for access to the green climate fund to finance the realization of Volobe." The stakes are significant for the country, which has faced persistent difficulties in the electricity sector for several years. The realization of Volobe would increase production capacity. Beyond economic matters, Colonel Randrianirina's presence in Paris and then Brussels has a diplomatic dimension. His participation in the International Space Summit, at France's invitation, allowed him to establish contacts with several foreign leaders. The Presidency has indeed widely shared photos of exchanges and discussions between the occupant of Iavoloha and other senior state officials. Besides Emmanuel Macron and Bart De Wever, the Malagasy head of state notably met with Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti. In a sense, this presence at international events is a way to consolidate the legitimacy of power and its recognition among foreign partners. The Refoundation Presidency's statement emphasizes the global dimension of the space summit. It notes that more than ninety heads of state attended the event, highlighting that Colonel Randrianirina was among them. A detail that is not insignificant. During his time in Brussels, the occupant of Iavoloha will meet with Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission (EU). According to his explanations before departure, Madagascar's electoral deadlines will be among the topics discussed.