Showing the Beauty of Madagascar, Open to Multifaceted Partnership With Russia
18:31 01.07.2023 (Updated: 12:18 05.08.2023)
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Madagascar and Russia could develop multifaceted cooperation in tourism and transport, infrastructure construction, as well as education and culture, the African country's acting charge d'affaires and a Madagascan artist told Sputnik Africa.
Rich prospects for a multifaceted partnership are opening up for Russia and Madagascar, Madagascar's acting charge d'affaires said in an interview with Sputnik Africa.
"It's a country that's open in many areas. We're not limited to any particular sphere, we're open to any kind of cooperation, by which I mean multifaceted cooperation, [...] whether it's in transport, culture or education," said Judith Denise Tafangy, on the sidelines of the "Russia-Africa: Cultural Unity" exhibition, which opened in Moscow on June 29.
This partnership can also be extended to other sectors, suggested Malagasy artist Christophe Jean Michel Rabearivelo, known as Fofa, who is taking part in the exhibition.
"Madagascar is, as you can see from my paintings, a very pretty country [...]. So with the Russians, Madagascar can invest in tourism, build infrastructure, roads."
Madagascan artist Fofa at the "Russia-Afruca: Cultural Unity" exhibition in Moscow
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'Time to Move'
Africa "wants to make itself understood," in particular "through art, artistic relations or exhibitions," Fofa emphasized.
According to him, "there are a lot of people here who want to work with Africans" through this kind of activity.
What's more, the Russia–Africa Summit is also approaching: "African leaders are coming because it's important."
As for Madagascar, the country is "still under French protection," the artist noted, "that's the sad reality."
This African country, which celebrated the 63rd anniversary of its independence at the end of June, nevertheless lacks "sovereignty," according to him.
Cultural Unity
The "Russia-Africa: Cultural Unity" exhibition features over 70 works of art by artists from Ghana, Benin, Ethiopia, Uganda, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Angola, as well as a sculptor from Burkina Faso.
A painting by Fofa at the "Russia-Africa: Cultural Unity" exhibition in Moscow
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The participation of a Madagascan artist in the exhibition is "a source of pride for our country," the charge d'affaires explained.
What's more, Fofa has been living in Russia for a long time and creates works for the Russian public, which "further strengthens our relationship with Russia."
