Madagascar President visits UK

President of the Republic of Madagascar, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, is to making a landmark visit to the United Kingdom today, as part of a wider effort to develop relations between Madagascar and the UK. During his visit, which starts on Monday, September 4^th 2017, President Hery and his delegation will attend events including a trade investment forum and an event at Kew Gardens. He is also expected to formally announce the re-opening of a Malagasy embassy in London.

Madagascar’s former embassy in London closed in 2005 with diplomatic responsibilities since being managed by the country’s UK consulate and the British High Commission in Mauritius. As part of efforts to develop UK – Malagasy relations reports have been circulating that Madagascar are planning to reopen an embassy in London, with some reports suggesting that a building has been secured. If this is confirmed as expected during President Hery’s visit on Monday this will represent a major step in establishing further diplomatic and trade partnerships between the two countries.

During his visit President Hery is also scheduled to make a keynote address to the Madagascar Trade and investment forum in London which aims to attract international investment into Madagascar and showcase the opportunities the country has to offer. The President is also expected attend a special event at Kew Gardens, which undertakes vital work to conserve Madagascar’s unique flora and recent held the 2017 ‘State of the World’s Plants’ symposium with a special focus on Madagascar. Finally the community of Malagasy residents in Britain as well as the Anglo-Malagasy Society have been invited to meet the presidential delegation at a service of thanksgiving at Lumen United Reformed Church today.

75 year old MfM Patron and Travel Author is running for Madagascar!

 75 year old Money for Madagascar Patron Hilary Bradt is running two 10 kilometer runs to raise money for MfM, in Bristol on Sunday 7th May, and in London on the 29th May. As well as her patronage of MfM, Hilary is the author of the renowned Bradt travel guide books, and her guides to Madagascar are considered the authoritative guides to the country. With this keen interest in Madagascar, it only makes sense that she would want to raise money to help those who live there. 

Hilary, then age 70, after running the London 10k in 2012

Hilary has previously raised money for Money for Madagascar by running the London 10k and the 10 mile Great South run five years ago, at the age of 70. Hilary described how she considered this feat to be "quite impressive" at the time and seems upbeat about the latest challenge, but admits that there is "no hope" of getting fit in time for the impeding Bristol run.

Hilary ran the Great South Run wearing this lemur hat.

 Hilary is accepting donations via Justgiving, where there are more details about her run, and all money raised will be used to help some of the poorest people on the planet. MfM would also like to wish Hilary the best of luck with her endeavor and thank her for her ongoing commitment to supporting the Malagasy people.