By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Introduction
A historic first, in a shared history lasting over seven centuries. Sergio Mattarella concluded his state visit to the Principality at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the first by a President of the Italian Republic. Accompanied by his daughter Laura, the Head of State was received for two days by Prince Albert II, almost seventy years after the visit to Rome by Rainier III and Grace Kelly. In the two concluding speeches the main themes of the bilateral relationship emerged. The first is the Italian community, which represents one fifth of the Principality’s residents. Then the dossiers still open, from the air services agreement to the access of Ligurians to Monaco’s medical care, and cooperation against economic‑financial crime. Finally the protection of the Mediterranean, fifty years after the RAMOGE agreement. In the background, an evening at the Opéra Garnier with Cecilia Bartoli and a common message in favor of multilateralism.
The speech of Prince Albert II
Mr President, Ms Laura Mattarella, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,
First of all Princess Charlène, my family and I wish to thank the Mr President for the honor of this visit. This is an exceptional event, especially because it is the first state visit by a President of the Italian Republic to the Principality of Monaco. Your presence here among us, Mr President, is therefore full of meaning.
If this is a first time, our common history is nevertheless long, also familial. Our Monégasque origins come from the other side of the border, in your Country. This also applies to me: for more than seven centuries my ancestors have left Genoa to come to Monaco.
A community, many open dossiers
Many Monaco residents today are closely linked to Italy, and vice versa. Italians represent one fifth of the population residing in Monaco and are the second foreign community of the Principality. Italy and France, moreover, are the only countries that have a resident embassy in Monaco.
The shared history of our two countries is also a political history. I am very happy that Monaco participates as an observer in the meetings of the Franco‑Italian cross‑border cooperation Committee, established with the Quirinal Treaty. The Principality also belongs to the Community of Italophony, created at the end of last year. We also talked about it on the occasion of the visit of the Vice‑President of the Council and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
I hope that, within the framework of these increasingly close exchanges, we can advance many topics of common interest. I am thinking, for example, of the air services agreement, which we have been discussing for many years and which I believe can soon be added to the bilateral accords of ’89. I also think of the access of Ligurian residents to medical care provided in the Principality of Monaco. Beyond these two topics, I hope we can strengthen cooperation between our countries. I am thinking in particular of the Italo‑Monégasque administrative cooperation Commission, reactivated in 2015.
The sea, a common battle
Our exchanges do not only concern bilateral relations: we have spoken, Mr President, about many other topics. We agree on fundamental points such as the protection of the environment and the marine environment, as evidenced by your visit today to the Oceanographic Museum. Fifty years have passed since the signing of the RAMOGE agreement, and this visit allows us to observe even more how close we are from this perspective. Italy, moreover, currently holds the presidency of this agreement. I am sure that in the future we will continue to engage, because Italy carries forward this battle for the future of our planet, as we do.
Mr President, we have talked about our political and historical ties. I would now also underline the importance of our economic relations. Italian companies are firmly present in the key sectors of our economy. Teleworking has facilitated the hiring of Italian cross‑border workers, as demonstrated, among others, by the business forums between Monaco and Italy. Our two countries thus share the will to promote innovation, investment and partnership among our firms.
Beyond the economic aspect, the Italian community plays a fundamental role in the life of the Principality, thanks to its presence, its work and its commitment to social and cultural life. Every day we see the privileged relationship that binds us, and I am sure it will continue in the coming years.
«A faithful friendship»
Our historic relationship is rich and fruitful. But, Mr President, Ms Laura, what is this relationship of ours? It is a relationship of friendship: a faithful and solid friendship, tested twice in the past, which your presence reinforces once again.
On behalf of all Monaco residents, I would like to thank you, Mr President, and tell you that you can count on me to enrich in the future the long shared history between Monaco and Italy. Thank you again, Mr President, and, as I said last night: long live the friendship between the Principality of Monaco and Italy! Thank you very much everyone.
Sign-off.
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