Madagascar opens embassy in Rabat, a new step towards strengthened ties

Madagascar has become the 42nd African nation to have an embassy in Rabat, bringing to 116 the number of embassies in the Moroccan capital.

Johary Hoela Rajobson has already presented copies of his credentials to Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita last week as Madagascar’s ambassador to the Kingdom.

The inauguration ceremony of the Malagasy embassy, attended by Malagasy Foreign Minister Rafaravavitafika Rasata and her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, comes as the two countries celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties and historic and privileged partnership.

Madagascar’s Foreign Minister Rafaravavitafika Rasata said at the inauguration ceremony the diplomatic representation will help strengthen ties between the two countries as Madagascar looks forward to benefit from Morocco’s know-how at all levels.

For his part, Bourita who described the opening of the embassy as an important milestone, said this new diplomatic representation will give new impetus to historic and privileged ties between Morocco and Madagascar and will contribute to giving significant momentum to exchanges between the two countries.

Observers expect Madagascar to be the next state to open a consulate in Morocco’s Sahara.

Prior to opening an embassy in Rabat, Madagascar has backed Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, the Sahara.

So far, 29 countries have consulates in Morocco’s Sahara, giving their support for Morocco’s territorial integrity a tangible level.

On the sidelines of the embassy inauguration, the two Foreign Ministers examined prospects for promoting bilateral relations and pledged to reinforce political dialogue, enhance diversified sectoral cooperation in various areas of common interest, and work together towards a win-win partnership.

The two officials agreed to hold the 2nd session of the Joint Cooperation Commission at a date to be mutually agreed upon through diplomatic channels. This initiative should open new perspectives for a strengthened partnership between the two nations.