Joint Communiqué from the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar (January 20, 2026)
Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and Ms. Christine Razanamahasoa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, met in Paris on January 19, 2026.
The two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the friendly, intense, high-quality bilateral relationship between France and Madagascar, forged in history and focused on the future. They also praised the vitality and unique nature of the personal ties between the two countries, marked by the presence of tens of thousands of Madagascar nationals in France, and tens of thousands of French nationals in Madagascar. In a troubled international context, they underscored the need to preserve and intensify these relations.
To this effect, and directly in line with the telephone conversation between French President Emmanual Macron and President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina, the two ministers agreed to lay the groundwork for the adoption of a renewed partnership agreement consistent with the Refoundation’s priorities.
France remains committed to meeting the urgent needs of Madagascar and its people, especially young people, who have expressed the wish for a better, more just and more dignified life. Several projects were agreed upon in December 2025 in the areas of health, food security, urban planning and energy. They are already being implemented. The new phase of the French Development Agency (AFD)’s project in support of Madagascar’s justice system (PAJMA II) is now underway. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs mobilized the French Red Cross to help respond to the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak on the Big Island.
The two ministers discussed other projects for 2026, such as strengthening cooperation between universities by improving living conditions for students, and developing digital excellence networks, with the goal being a quick start to these initiatives in order to directly benefit the population.
France hails the initial advances in the refoundation process and the Refoundation Government’s expressed desire to restore trust in institutions, ensure that the State once again serves the common good and responds to the legitimate aspirations expressed by Malagasy society. In this regard, it reaffirms its full support for continuing the process with a view to holding free and transparent elections according to the established timetable. Energy and the distribution of drinking water were also discussed.
In order to move forward in defining a renewed partnership, the two ministers agreed to work together on the upcoming organization of high-level visits in France and Madagascar.
For the Government of the French Republic
Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs
For the Republic of Madagascar
Madam Christine Razanamahasoa
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Refoundation