Russia's Bogdanov, Indian Ocean Commission Chief Discuss Combating Piracy - Moscow

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 20th January, 2019) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov discussed the fight against piracy with Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Hamada Madi Bolero, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The meeting took place in Madagascar's capital of Antananarivo on the sidelines of events marking incoming President Andry Rajoelina's inauguration.�

"During the talks, the sides exchanged views on ways to develop cooperation between Russia and the IOC member states with a focus on promoting constructive cooperation in the field of maritime security, coordination of joint efforts to counter new challenges and threats, including maritime piracy, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other types of crime at sea," the statement reads.

On Tuesday, Madagascar's Constitutional Court confirmed the victory of Andry Rajoelina in the country's presidential election. In December, Rajoelina, who headed the country's transitional administration from 2009 to 2013, gained 55.66 percent of votes in the second round of elections, while his main rival former president of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana secured 44.34 percent.