In the 18th century, a group of Russian convicts led by Maurice Benyovsky staged a rebellion in Kamchatka and made a daring escape. Overcoming seas and oceans, they reached Madagascar, where they settled. They were likely the first Russians to arrive on this distant African island.

A new phase in Russian-Madagascar relations began during the Russo-Japanese War when our squadron headed towards Tsushima. For several weeks, the sailors stopped in Madagascar to replenish supplies. The locals named the anchorage of the cruisers Russian Bay. According to sailors' memories, some shops displayed signs in Russian: "Supplier of the fleet," "Trading with a big discount," "I invite Russian buyers to come in." Russian graves remain on the island: several sailors died from illnesses and were buried in the Nosy Be cemetery. Later, a memorial plaque was installed in their memory on a stele.

The history of Russian-Madagascar relations continued after World War II when Russian emigrant architect Vladimir Frizel arrived on the island. During Madagascar's active development, he received numerous commissions. Thanks to his efforts, the original building of the Central Bank, the Ministry of Internal Affairs with its unusual conference hall, as well as villas, schools, cinemas, and factories were constructed. All of this became an invaluable contribution of a Russian person to the development of his second homeland. Today, the Russian diaspora in Madagascar numbers about 130 people.