It is confirmed. A Malagasy delegation will participate in the Russia-Africa Summit, to be held in Moscow on October 28 and 29. The Russian Embassy announced this in a statement released yesterday. The document details a meeting between Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, head of state, and Alexeï Buriak, chargé d'affaires of the Russian Embassy, on Monday at Ambohitsorohitra Palace. The Malagasy side has provided no additional information on the matter. The Presidency of the Refoundation of the Republic merely announced the meeting between the senior officer and the Russian diplomat. It also indicated that cooperation between Madagascar and Russia, as well as preparations for the Russia-Africa Summit, were at the center of discussions. According to certain sources, Colonel Randrianirina is expected to lead the Malagasy delegation to this event. Previously, he will depart next week for New York, United States, to participate in the United Nations Summit. A meeting with the Malagasy diaspora is also announced by Madagascar's Embassy in the United States. It will be held in New Jersey on September 23. Scheduled for the end of October, the Russia-Africa Summit will focus on four major themes: cooperation and trade, energy sovereignty and strategic resources, food security, and security and political sovereignty. One of its stated objectives is to establish a lasting partnership between Russia and African countries, as well as to strengthen their political and diplomatic cooperation. Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson