Rafaravavitafika RASATA, 36, is a diplomat and Malagasy politician who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar on January 14, 2024. She is the 5th and youngest woman to hold this position in the history of Malagasy diplomacy.
Rasata Rafaravavitafika | |
|---|---|
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| Assumed office 15 January 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Yvette Sylla |
| Personal details | |
| Residence | Madagascar |
Career
editBefore her appointment as Minister, RASATA Rafaravavitafika worked within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a number of years, as Chief of Staff, Spokesperson, and Director of Economic Expansion.[1] At her swearing-in, she said that her priorities would be the promotion of economic diplomacy, the participation of the Malagasy diaspora in the country's development, and promoting the country's image overseas.[2] She met with US Ambassador Claire Pierangelo on 5 February,[3] before attending the 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth.[4]
Education
editShe holds a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy (a Doctorate in English) from the Centre d'Etudes Diplomatiques et Stratégiques (CEDS) in Paris.</ref> She completed a Master's degree in "International Public Service" at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Internationales (HEI-HEP) in Paris in 2012, followed by further studies at the Ecole Nationale d'Administration de Madagascar (ENAM) in 2016. She earned a degree in Public Law and Political Science from the Catholic University of Madagascar (UCM) in 2011.
Contribution to the development of Madagascar's foreign policy
editThroughout her diplomatic career, RASATA Rafaravavitafika has introduced innovative ideas that have shaped Madagascar's foreign policy. Based on the findings of her PhD research, completed in 2019, she spearheaded the expansion of the Ministry's external actions to include a new focus on promoting the Madagascar brand.
She has also played a key role in enhancing the Ministry's engagement in economic diplomacy. Her contributions include:
- The production of a Doctoral Thesis in English titled "Implementing a Country Branding Strategy to Enhance Madagascar's Global Reputation," CEDS-INSEC-U, March 2019, Paris.
- Organizing the "One Country One Day" conferences aimed at promoting trade between Madagascar and its bilateral partners, including the inaugural USA-Day Conference.
- Her participation in Session 7 of the YLTP Program, "Geopolitics and International Relations," held from September 21 to 24, 2022.
- Her participation in organizing the "Journées Internationales des Régions" Forum (9 editions, from 2019 to 2024).
References
edit- ^ "Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina unveils 27-member cabinet". ZBC News. 16 January 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
- ^ "Ministère des Affaires étrangères: Rasata Rafaravavitafika trace ses priorités" (in French). Newsmada. 17 January 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ "Ambassador Pierangelo meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs". US Embassy in Madagascar. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ "Jaishankar discusses bilateral ties with Madagascar Foreign Minister at 7th Indian Ocean Conference in Perth". ANI. 10 February 2024. Retrieved 5 July 2024.