MOSCOW, October 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked transitional president of the Republic of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina for registering the Russian Orthodox Church on the island.

"I would like to specially note that the Russian Orthodox Church was granted status as a legal entity in Madagascar. I would like thank you for this major event, bearing in mind the fact that the Russian Orthodox Church congregation on the island exceeds 1,500 people," Putin said.