Monaco’s diplomatic ties with Italy and beyond took centre stage as the Principality’s embassy in Rome hosted its annual consular meeting on Friday, January 31. The gathering brought together Monaco’s consuls in Italy and other accredited countries for a strategic discussion on the key initiatives that will shape 2025, reinforcing Monaco’s influence and international reach.
A major highlight for the year ahead will be the continued visits of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II to Italy, further strengthening the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. Following last year’s visits to Tuscany, Rome, and Sicily, the Sovereign will resume his travels to Italian towns linked to the Grimaldi family, marking the 10th anniversary of the Historic Sites of the Grimaldis of Monaco network. Various events are planned in collaboration with local mayors and Fulvio Gazzola, Mayor of Dolceacqua and President of the Italian association “Siti Storici Grimaldi di Monaco.” Just weeks before the consular meeting, Ambassador Anne Eastwood had welcomed these officials to the embassy for the association’s third annual general assembly, underscoring Monaco’s ongoing engagement with its historic Italian connections.
Beyond cultural ties, Monaco is also enhancing its international appeal through economic diplomacy. A key initiative planned for 2025 will be a special event organised in partnership with Monaco Private Label, an exclusive network that promotes the Principality’s attractiveness to high-net-worth individuals worldwide. Meanwhile, Monaco’s commitment to the Francophonie remains a priority, following the renewal of Ambassador Eastwood’s mandate within the Executive Committee of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF) in Rome. This diplomatic coalition, which includes representatives accredited to Italy, the Holy See, and UN agencies in Rome, is dedicated to multilingualism and cultural diversity, notably through the annual Francophone Film Festival of Rome.
Ambassador Eastwood also reaffirmed Monaco’s diplomatic expansion, now holding accreditation in six countries under the embassy’s jurisdiction. Having presented her credentials in Croatia in October and Romania in December, she completed a series of official visits that included Malta and San Marino earlier in the year. With the support of Monaco’s consular network, the embassy will continue fostering economic and cultural ties across these nations.
The evening concluded on a warm note with a dinner at the ambassador’s residence, where the discussions extended beyond official matters. Among the distinguished guests was Monaco’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Philippe Orengo, who is leading the Principality’s participation in this year’s Vatican Jubilee celebrations.
