Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Secretary General Hamada Madi discussed cooperation on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

Bogdanov and Madi exchanged views on developing constructive cooperation between Russia and the IOC members in Madagascar's Antananarivo, the ministry said in a press release.

It said the two officials seek to partner on maritime security and coordinate efforts to counter new challenges, including piracy, drug and human trafficking, and other crimes at sea.