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Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his blessing to Madagascar's new leader in a Kremlin meeting Thursday, as Russia seeks to expand its influence in Africa.Colonel Michael Randrianirina - Madagascar's interim leader since the former president fled in October following demonstrations - said he was counting on Russian support as his country goes through a "difficult period."He travelled to Moscow on a plane chartered by Russia, weeks after the Kremlin sent military equipment to the island.Putin told Randrianirina that Madagascar was an "important partner" in Africa.Moscow has sought to extend its outreach in Africa - where its Wagner paramilitary forces have been active for years and where it rivals European powers, especially France."I would like to note that we have many interesting areas of co-operation. These include agriculture, geological exploration, energy, medicine, healthcare and education," Putin said."We are ready to develop these ties in the humanitarian sphere and others," he added.Under massive Western sanctions since its Ukraine offensive started in 2022, Russia has sought to pivot to Asia and the so-called "Global South".Randrianirina called Russia a "country whose support we hope will accompany Madagascar, which is currently going through a difficult period, both politically and economically"."We are happy to be here," he said, adding that the visit shows the island's "will to reinforce cooperation with the Russian Federation."He said that on top of cooperating in the "social, health and education sectors", Madagascar is "ready to fully cooperate" in the military sphere.Russian independent media has for several years reported that the Wagner military group sought to expand its activity in Madagascar.Last month, Russian military instructors visited Madagascar to train their counterparts in military equipment supplied by Moscow, including drones.Putin also expressed condolences to the army colonel over a recent cyclone on the island, that killed at least 40 people this month.Russia was the third country Randrianirina went to since coming to power, having visited United Arab Emirates and South Africa before.All of those visits came before going to Madagascar's ex-colonial ruler France, where Randrianirina is due later this month. 

Madagascars new head of state on Monday named a civilian prime minister, following a military takeover last week that sent ex-president Andry Rajoelina fleeing.Army colonel Michael Randrianirina, who announced Tuesday that the military had taken power after Rajoelina was impeached for desertion of duty following weeks of protests, was sworn in as president Friday.Randrianirina promised sweeping change and new elections in the poverty-stricken island nation, where anger over chronic power cuts sparked the demonstrations last month that swiftly escalated into a mass anti-government movement.Following consultations with the national assembly, Randrianirina chose Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, a figure of the private sector and former chairman of the Malagasy bank BNI, as new premier Monday.Rajaonarivelo had "the skills, the experience but also relations with international organisations in other countries that will collaborate with Madagascar," Randrianirina said.The new president has promised a civilian government and collaboration with "all the driving forces of the nation" after the military takeover, rejecting last week accusations of having led a coup.He said Monday that the choice of premier had "scrupulously followed the Constitution".Randrianirina led the CAPSAT army unit which mutinied on October 11, condemning violence against anti-government protesters by Rajoelina's security forces and joining the demonstrations in the capital Antananarivo.It marked a turning point in the weeks-long uprising, leading Rajoelina to flee the country.Media reports said the ousted ex-president was evacuated on Sunday aboard a French military plane that took him to the French island of Reunion, from where he travelled to Dubai.Supporters of Rajoelina have condemned the power grab, which was backed by the constitutional court.