Foreign relations of Monaco

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and independent state, linked closely to France by the Treaty of July 1918, which was formally noted in Article 436 of the Treaty of Versailles of 1919. The foreign policy of Monaco is one illustration of this accord: France has agreed to defend the independence and sovereignty of Monaco, while the Monegasque Government has agreed to exercise its sovereign rights in conformity with French interests. Since then, the relations between the sovereign states of France and Monaco have been further defined in the Treaty of 1945 and the Agreement of 1963.

In 2002, Monaco renegotiated its 1918 treaty with France. In 2005, it was ratified by both parties and entered into force. The terms of the treaty upgrade France's representation in Monaco from Consulate General to that of an embassy; permit, for the first time, other countries to accredit ambassadors to Monaco; and formally recognize the succession scheme set out in the 1962 Constitution, which extends eligibility to the Prince's daughters and other family members.

Although not a member of the European Union (EU), Monaco is closely associated with the economic apparatus of the EU through its customs union with France and its reliance upon the euro as its official currency.

Monaco actively participates in the United Nations, which it joined in 1993. Monaco joined the Council of Europe on October 4, 2004. Monaco also is a member of many international and intergovernmental organizations, including Interpol, the UNESCO, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB) is headquartered in Monaco.

Monaco has 10 diplomatic missions in Western Europe and permanent representation at the United Nations and the Council of Europe. It maintains honorary consulates in 106 cities in 45 countries. Seventy-six countries have consulates general, consulates, or honorary consulates in or accredited to Monaco.

In December 2006, the United States and Monaco upgraded from consular to full diplomatic relations. Shortly after, Ambassador Craig Stapleton (France) was accredited to Monaco, and Ambassador Gilles Noghes became the first Monegasque ambassador to the United States.

[edit] Relations by country

Monaco maintains consulates in the following nations:

Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
People's Republic of China
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Denmark
Egypt
El Salvador
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Guatemala
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malta
Morocco
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Niger
Norway
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Portugal
Russia
San Marino
Senegal
Singapore
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States

^[1]

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Russia	1858 ^[2]	See Monaco-Russia relations Monaco and Russia had bilateral relations since 1858 when Russia and Monaco signed treaties and agreements of extradition of criminals, of mutual legal assistance, on recognition of civil status of natural persons and of medical aid. However diplomatic relations suspended in 1917. Diplomatic relations were reastablished in April, 2002. Monaco has an honorary consulate in Saint Petersburg Russian interests in Monaco is represented by its consulate-general in Marseille.
France	1918	France has agreed to defend the independence and sovereignty of Monaco, while the Monegasque Government has agreed to exercise its sovereign rights in conformity with French interests. Since then, the relations between the sovereign states of France and Monaco have been further defined in the Treaty of 1945 and the Agreement of 1963.
United States		See Monaco – United States relations The United States and Monaco enjoy excellent relations. From 1956 until her death in 1982, the American-born Grace Kelly was married to Prince Rainier III, Prince Albert's father. The United States does not yet have a diplomatic mission located in Monaco but there is an embassy in Paris, and a consulate general in Marseille. In December 2006, the United States and Monaco upgraded from consular to full diplomatic relations. Shortly thereafter, Craig Stapleton (ambassador to France) was accredited to Monaco, and ambassador Gilles Noghes became the first Monegasque ambassador to the United States.^[3]
Italy		Italy has an embassy in the city of Monaco. Monaco has an embassy in Rome. Around 10,000 Italians live in Monaco.
Kosovo	2008-03-19	"Principata e Monakos njohu Republikën e Kosovës" (in Albanian). President of the Republic of Kosovodate=2008-03-19. http://www.president-ksgov.net/?id=5,67,67,67,a,714. Retrieved on 2008-03-19. "Serbia Neighbours To Recognise Kosovo". Balkan Insight. 2008-03-19. http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/8741/. Retrieved on 2008-03-19.