Moroccan Sovereign King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Ismail, arrived on Saturday evening in Antananarivo for an official visit to Madagascar, the second stage of a tour that also led the Sovereign to Ethiopia and which will also lead him to other African brotherly countries.

Madagascar and enjoys a special place in the heart of the Moroccan monarch, first of its importance within the African family, then for the good ties between the kingdom and Madagascar. Furthermore its historical significance as it was one of the place where the monarch’s grandfather the King Mohammed V has spent a significant period in Madagascar as his exile during the national struggle against the French colonial

Upon his arrival at Ivato international airport, the King was greeted by President of the Republic of Madagascar, Hery Rajaonarimampianina.

Subsequently, the two Heads of State got to the grandstand to greet the national colors to the sound of national anthems of the two countries.

Afterwards, The  King Mohammed VI and the President of the Republic of Madagascar reviewed a detachment of the armed forces, which paid the honors, before being greeted by the Prime Minister, the Presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly, members of the Malagasy government and members of the international diplomatic corps accredited to Antananarivo, as well as by the mayor of Ivato.

The Sovereign was also greeted by Moroccan ambassador to Madagascar, Mohamed Ben Jilali, and members of the Moroccan diplomatic mission.

For his part, the Malagasy President was greeted by members of the official delegation accompanying HM the King, notably the Sovereign’s advisors, Fouad Ali El Himma and Yassir Zenagui.

The delegation also includes minister of Foreign Affairs, Salaheddine Mezouar, minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, minister of Economy and Finance, Mohamed Boussaïd, minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Aziz Akhannouch, and minister delegate to the Foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, as well as several other officials.

After a brief pause at the honor lounge of Ivato international airport, the official motorcade headed to the residence of the King in Antananarivo.