Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron Make Historic State Visit to Monaco
French President and First Lady welcomed by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène during a two-day visit focused on ocean protection and bilateral cooperation.
On June 7 and 8, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron were welcomed in Monaco by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène for a historic state visit, marking the first visit by a French president to Monaco since François Mitterrand in 1984. The royal couple greeted the Macron family in the courtyard of the Prince's Palace, where a ceremonial welcome included a guard of honor from sixty Carabiniers of the Prince and sixteen firefighters, alongside the playing of national anthems.
During the visit, Brigitte Macron received a bouquet from Princess Gabriella, Prince Albert II's daughter, symbolizing the cordial relations between France and Monaco.
This two-day state visit took place ahead of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice and coincided with the Blue Economy and Finance Forum held in Monaco on June 7 and 8.
President Macron and Prince Albert II held private discussions prior to an official state dinner in the throne room.
The following day, they visited a thermolysis company and then toured the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, accompanied by their spouses.
The visit was primarily focused on reaffirming the commitment of both nations towards ocean protection.
According to an official statement from the Prince's Palace, Monaco and France adopted a joint declaration focused on combating marine pollution, illegal fishing, and preserving biodiversity.
Additionally, there were strengthened scientific and environmental cooperation initiatives, particularly through the Ramoge Agreement and UNESCO projects in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
A supplementary agreement to the 1963 customs convention was signed, and advancements were made concerning road safety and diplomatic presence.
As a tribute to Prince Albert II, a submarine relief in the Indian Ocean will now bear his name.