MOSCOW, October 30. /TASS/. Madagascar wants to turn its friendship with Russia into a productive partnership, transitional President Michael Randrianirina said at a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"We commend the high standard of organization of the [Russia-Africa] summit, which reflects the importance Moscow attaches to its partnership with Africa," Randrianirina said.

"This meeting helps us chart a course for strengthening friendly relations between Madagascar and Russia. It has provided an opportunity to discuss how to implement all the projects that will strengthen our partnership over the long term. We would like to transform our friendship, which spans 54 years, into a partnership that delivers concrete results. We need to give our relations a new dimension," he added.