Russian President Vladimir Putin met Madagascar's new leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina for talks at the Kremlin on Thursday.

Colonel Randrianirina - Madagascar's interim leader since the former president fled in October following demonstrations - travelled to Moscow weeks after Russia sent military equipment to the island.

Putin told Randrianirina that Madagascar is an "important partner" in Africa.

"I would like to note that we have many interesting areas of cooperation. These include agriculture, geological exploration, energy, medicine, healthcare and education," the Russian leader said.

"We are ready to develop these ties in the humanitarian sphere and others," he added.

Putin also expressed condolences to the army colonel over a recent cyclone on the island, that killed at least 40 people this month.

It was one of Randrianirina's first international trips as interim president. Before leaving Madagascar, he told reporters he had been invited by Russia.

Last month, Russian military instructors visited Madagascar to train their counterparts in military equipment supplied by Moscow, including drones.

After Moscow, Randrianirina was expected to travel to France.