CREM, the Club of Foreign Residents of Monaco, held its opening cocktail of the season in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II on Monday, September 27, at the Yacht Club. More than 200 guests joined one of CREM’s first public events for almost two years due to the health crisis.
Among the many members of this club, created in 2010 by the current president Louisette Azzoaglio Levy-Soussan and Prince Albert, several leading figures in the Principality joined the evening, including Robert Gelli, Secretary of State for Justice, and Richard Marangoni, Comptroller General of Public Security.
The Sovereign greeted the assembly in a dozen languages, moving from English to Greek, from Spanish to Russian, a gesture greatly appreciated by the very international company.
President of CREM Louisette Azzoaglio Levy-Soussan spoke of the 10 very successful years of the Club, which has shown that people from distant horizons and not speaking the same language were able to come together to create friendships, professional ties and moments of joy, even in this most recent period that has so often been challenging and distressing.
The number of members is constantly increasing and the President thanked Prince Albert for the support He has given to the association since its inception.
CREM Director Chris Dhondt spoke in English to stress that CREM, more than an exchange club, intends to play a full role in the service of the Principality. “In recent months, in most Western countries, the issue of ‘abroad’ has become a crucial societal issue. Despite himself, the foreigner is at the heart of political divides that cross European democracies. This is not the case in Monaco. This, again, is one of the peculiarities of this country that welcomed us,” he said.
“There are not many lands where more than 130 different nationalities can coexist in the most perfect harmony. I would even say in a community of destiny,” he added..
“We know what we owe to Your country. Every day, we welcome the Principality’s openness to the world, which also preserves its cultural identity and a strong history. Let’s not be afraid to say it, living in Monaco is a source of pride. We measure it regularly. Each time we travel and specify that we have come from here, our interlocutors tell us that we are lucky, that the Principality is inspiring.”
The evening continued in a convivial atmosphere and with a superb view of the Prince’s Palace. CREM has already started its new season with enthusiasm.
PHOTO: CREM Director Chris Dhondt, HSH Prince Albert, and President of CREM Louisette Azzoaglio Levy-Soussan
