Fransman represented President Jacob Zuma at the inauguration of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on Saturday. The Indian Ocean island country had been in crisis since late 2008. South Africa, as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), played a leading role in the process of mediation during the past five years, including serving and chairing the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. Fransman said the swearing in of the new president signalled a new beginning for Madagascar and its people. During the visit, Fransman held bilateral discussions with Rajaonarimampianina, the outgoing Transitional President Andry Rajoelina and Foreign Affairs Minister Jacques Ulrich Andriantiana.

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