July 31, 2012 -- The first handshake between Malagasy political rivals Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana in three years took place on Desroches island, Seychelles, on 24th July 2012.

Picture shows Rajoelina (left), the president of the transition authority in Madagascar, and the former president Ravalomanana (right) after they were introduced by President James Michel (centre).

After President Michel had introduced them, the two rivals went on to spend two hours together, a meeting which was later  hailed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) as progress in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the Malagasy political crisis.

They are to meet again by the 15th of August and Seychelles has said it is ready to host them for the second time.

The historical picture has just been released by the State House official photographer.