The German delegation was led by Ms. Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Development, while the Malagasy delegation was led by Mr. Ratsimandao Tahirimiakadaza, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Malagasy delegation also included representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons.
Both parties welcome this opportunity for dialogue, which comes at a time when they are preparing to celebrate 140 years of historical relations. On May 15th, 1883, the first friendship agreement was signed between Madagascar and the Deutsches Reich. The friendship between the two peoples, which has lasted throughout history, is currently reflected in a fruitful cooperation.
In a fraternal atmosphere, the two parties had an open, intense and constructive exchange on the international geopolitical context and, in particular, on the cooperation expressed in technical and financial cooperation programs within the framework of the German Official Development Assistance to Madagascar in various fields, namely
– Environment and protection of biodiversity
– Food security, including adaptation of agricultural value chains to climate change; rural development and food security, including strengthening resilience; and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture;
– Climate and renewable energy, including support for rural electrification;
– Good governance, including inclusive municipal development and decentralization as well as fighting corruption.
At the end of these two days of negotiations, the German side announced new financial commitments for a total amount of 47 million Euros for 2023 – 2024 in the framework of bilateral cooperation, divided into 28 million Euros for financial cooperation and 19 million Euros for technical cooperation.
In addition, it was recalled that since the last session of negotiations in December 2021, the German government has provided additional funds in the amount of 63 million euros for the implementation of cooperation projects in the same areas.
Negotiations were concluded based on both parties’ common will to consolidate cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
The next negotiations are scheduled to take place in Madagascar in 2025.
