The Principality strengthened its diplomatic ties on Tuesday, October 21, as five new ambassadors presented their credentials to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II before attending an official luncheon hosted by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, at the Hôtel Hermitage.
Among the newly accredited diplomats were representatives from Israel, Timor-Leste, Armenia, Argentina and Portugal, each bringing extensive international experience to their new roles. Following their audience with the Sovereign Prince, they joined the minister and senior officials, including Guillaume Rose, CEO of the Monaco Economic Board, for a working lunch focused on bilateral cooperation and shared priorities.
During the meeting, Israel’s Joshua Zarka, formerly Deputy Director-General for Strategic Affairs, outlined his country’s commitment to deepening ties with Monaco in technology and innovation. António da Conceição of Timor-Leste, who also serves as ambassador to the United Nations Office in Geneva, spoke of the importance of small states working together on global challenges. Armenia’s Arman Khachatryan, recently his nation’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, highlighted the cultural and diplomatic bridges linking Yerevan and the Principality. Ian Sielecki of Argentina, an experienced strategist and former adviser to his country’s foreign minister, expressed enthusiasm for expanding Monaco’s connections in Latin America. Portugal’s Francisco Pimentel de Mello Ribeiro de Menezes, who previously served in Berlin, reaffirmed the strong historical and linguistic ties between the two countries.
The exchange underscored Monaco’s ongoing commitment to international dialogue and multilateral cooperation. Through such meetings, the Principality continues to reinforce its reputation as a dynamic, outward-looking state, engaged with partners across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
Image courtesy of Manuel Vitali – Communications Department: From left to right: H.E. Mr. Ian SIELECKI, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic from Argentina; H.E. Mr. Arman KHACHATRYAN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic from Armenia; H.E. Mr. Francisco PIMENTEL DE MELLO RIBEIRO de MENEZES, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Portugal; Ms. Isabelle BERRO-AMADEÏ, Government Advisor-Minister External Relations and Cooperation; H.E. Mr. Joshua ZARKA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel and H.E. Mr. António da CONCEIÇÃO, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic Democratic Republic of Timor Leste
