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The directory of informations
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Madagascar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Madagascar ·
History ·
Politics ·
Geography ·
Ecology ·
Economy ·
Foreign relations ·
Demographics
Foreign relations of Madagascar
Madagascar was historically perceived as being on the margin of mainstream African affairs. But
it eagerly rejoined the African Union in July 2003 after a 14-month hiatus triggered by the 2002
political crisis. From 1978 to 1991, President Ratsiraka emphasized independence and nonalignment
and followed an "all points" policy stressing ties with socialist and radical regimes, including
North Korea, Cuba, Libya, and Iran. But President Albert Zafy, taking office in 1993, expressed
his desire for diplomatic relations with all countries. Early in his tenure, he established formal
ties with South Korea and sent emissaries to Morocco.
Starting in 1997, globalisation encouraged the government and President Ratsiraka to adhere to
market-oriented policies and to engage world markets. External relations reflect this trend,
although Madagascar's physical isolation and strong traditional insular orientation have limited
its activity in regional economic organisations and relations with its East African neighbours.
It enjoys closer and generally good relations with its Indian Ocean neighbours -- Mauritius,
Réunion, and Comoros. Active relationships with Europe, especially France, Germany, and Switzerland,
as well as with Britain, Russia, Japan, India, and China have been strong since independence.
More recently, President Ravalomanana has cultivated strong links with the United States, and
Madagascar was the first country to benefit from the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). Madagascar
is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection
for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).
President Ravalomanana has stated that he welcomes relations with all countries interested in helping
Madagascar to develop. He travels widely promoting Madagascar abroad and has consciously sought to
strengthen relations with Anglophone countries as a means of balancing traditionally strong French
influence. He has also cultivated strong ties with China during his tenure.
In November 2004, after an absence of almost 30 years, Madagascar re-opened its embassy in London.
On 15 December 2004 the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, announced the closure of the British embassy
in Antananarivo to save £250,000 a year. He also announced an end to the DFID-funded Small Grants
Scheme, the only aid Britain gave to this, one of the world's poorest countries. The embassy closed
in August 2005 despite petitions and protests from African heads of state, a European commissioner,
the Malagasy Senate, many British companies, 30 or so NGOs operating in Madagascar, and members of
the public.
The British Embassy was previously closed (also for financial reasons) from 1975 to 1980. The
Anglo-Malagasy Society are campaigning to have it re-opened once again.
Madagascar ·
History ·
Politics ·
Geography ·
Ecology ·
Economy ·
Foreign relations ·
Demographics
This Article is taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
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