FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Madagascar, which has historically been perceived as on the margin of mainstream African affairs, eagerly rejoined the African Union in July 2003 after a 14-month hiatus triggered by the 2002 political crisis, and joined SADC in 2006. From 1978 until 1991, then-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. Taking office in 1993, President Albert Zafy 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, globalization 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 organizations
and relations with its East African neighbors. It enjoys closer
and generally good relations with its Indian Ocean neighbors--Mauritius,
Réunion, and the Comoros Islands. Active relationships
with Europe, especially France, Germany, and Switzerland, as well
as with Britain, Russia, Japan, India, and China have been strong
since independence.
President
Ravalomanana has stated that he welcomes relations with all countries
interested in helping Madagascar to develop. He has consciously
sought to strengthen relations with Anglophone countries as a
means of balancing traditionally strong French influence.
U.S.-MALAGASY
RELATIONS
Relations with the United States date to the middle 1800s. The
two countries concluded a commercial convention in 1867 and a
treaty of peace, friendship, and commerce in 1881. Traditionally
warm relations suffered considerably during the 1970s, when Madagascar
expelled the U.S. ambassador, closed a NASA tracking station,
and nationalized two U.S. oil companies. In 1980, relations at
the ambassadorial level were restored.
Throughout the troubled period, commercial and cultural relations remained active. In 1990, Madagascar was designated as a priority aid recipient, and assistance increased from $15 million in 1989 to $40 million in 1993. Recent U.S. assistance has contributed to a population census and family planning programs; conservation of Madagascar's remarkable biodiversity, private sector development, agriculture, democracy and governance initiatives; and media training. Madagascar became the very first country with a Millennium Challenge Account compact when it signed an agreement worth $110 million in April 2006.The Ravalomanana government is especially positive about ties with the United States.
U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--R. Niels Marquardt
Deputy Chief of Mission--George Sibley
USAID Director--vacant
Defense Attache--Cecil Bridges
Public Affairs Officer--Rodney Ford
Consular Officer--Jay Epping
The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar is located at 14, rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo (tel. 261-20-22-212-57, 033-44-22-000; fax 261-20-345-39. The postal address is Ambassade Americaine, B.P. 620, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
