Gilles Tonelli Delivers His New Year Address to the Entire Consular Corps

©Government Communication Department /Charly Gallo

On Monday 9 January, Mr. Gilles Tonelli, Minster of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, delivered his New Year address to the whole of the foreign Consular Corps accredited in the Principality.

Present at this ceremony were H.E. Mr. Serge Telle, Minister of State, Mr. Georges Lisimachio, Head of Cabinet of H.S.H. the Prince, Lieutenant-Colonel Laurent Soler, Chamberlain to H.S.H. the Prince, H.E. Ms. Marine de Carne de Trecesson de Coetlogon, Ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. Cristiano Gallo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan and the Ambassador of the Order of Malta, as well as the President and Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International HydrographicBureau.

After thanking the entire Foreign Consular Corps in Monaco for the activities it had carried out in 2016, the Minister looked back at the various events that have marked the past year.  Gilles Tonelli emphasised that, in the current global context, the enduring monarchical regime ensures the continuity of policies and of priorities, making it possible to build a solid foundation over the long term.

He recalled that, in 2016, 21 new foreign Ambassadors were accredited in the Principality and that the first Embassy of Monaco in Portugal was opened in Lisbon.  To date, the Principality enjoys official diplomatic relations with 132 States in the world, and 110 foreign Embassies are accredited in Monaco.

In late 2016, 80 countries were officially represented in the Principality by a Consul, and five new Consuls of Monaco were appointed abroad.

Finally, Gilles Tonelli recalled the many highlights of 2016, particularly with regard to important visits to the Principality relating to European issues, health and the Sustainable Development Goals, including, in particular, the presence last November of the President of the 71^st United Nations General Assembly.