Alice N'Diaye, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The current regime has appointed more than ten ambassadors in less than a year. Foreign Affairs Minister Alice N'Diaye defends this choice in a highly dynamic global geopolitical context. Exclusive interview. Midi Madagasikara: The government has decided to appoint new ambassadors in recent months. What is the objective? Alice N'Diaye: In ten months, the government has appointed sixteen heads of diplomatic missions. This clearly reflects the State's determination to strengthen Madagascar's presence on the international and regional stage, and to increase the effectiveness of Malagasy diplomacy. The objective is, first, to reinforce Madagascar's presence in capitals and international bodies of strategic importance, in order to best promote and protect the country's political, economic and diplomatic interests. It is, secondly, to revive and strengthen cooperation with countries where our embassies are present, as well as in countries under their jurisdiction. You will have noted that a number of our major embassies have not had accredited heads of mission for more than a decade, notably our permanent multilateral representations and certain strategic capitals. To this end, the President of the Refoundation has fully grasped the necessity for Madagascar to be present within the world's major decision-making centers, in a geopolitical context marked by profound changes and strong competition on the international stage. We must have a strong and active presence in order, on the one hand, to protect our interests and, on the other hand, to seize cooperation opportunities likely to benefit the country. It should be recalled that many decisions directly concerning Madagascar are discussed within international organizations or with different countries. It is therefore essential to be represented there so that the country's positions and interests are not sidelined. M-M: With the presence of some politicians heading embassies, are these not political appointments made by the government? A-N: The appointment of an ambassador, regardless of the country of accreditation, is a political act, whether the profile is technical, like that of a career diplomat, or political, for personalities outside diplomacy. What they have in common is that these heads of mission are expected, under the directives of the Foreign Affairs Minister, to implement Madagascar's foreign policy in their role of representation, promotion of political, economic, commercial, scientific and cultural cooperation with accrediting countries, protection of interests and Malagasy nationals, and information. M-M: You have made several trips abroad recently. What is the objective of these visits? A-N: These are diplomatic visits that are part of implementing the vision of multivectorial diplomacy carried by the President of the Refoundation, which aims to maintain the confidence of our partners, to diversify our partnerships, to durably strengthen Madagascar's place and role on the regional, continental and international stage. In a context of continuous and rapid international change, it is essential to continue to make Madagascar's voice heard in major global debates, in order to preserve and promote national interests. Among frequently discussed topics are peace and security, economic cooperation, resilience to climate change, and other emerging common challenges, such as cybercrime. All these issues directly concern Madagascar. It is in this perspective that Madagascar is present in forums and bilateral and multilateral frameworks. This dynamic aims to strengthen cooperation, foster new multifaceted partnerships, attract new investments and give our country greater visibility on the international stage. M-M: Can we therefore affirm today that Malagasy diplomacy has strengthened? A-N: The dynamism of a country's diplomacy is measured notably by the impetus and strategic direction given by the head of state in defining and implementing foreign policy. This is currently the case. So yes, we can affirm that Malagasy diplomacy is strengthening, with clear directives and the confidence given to diplomats in implementing them. The pursuit of partnerships and the clearly expressed will