Review of 2009.

It's been a busy year for Monaco in terms of international relations. The Principality has seen 10 consulates and 14 new embassies accredited, and a further 11 consulates have been established in other countries representing Monaco abroad.

The recent nomination of another 4 ambassadors continues to consolidate Monaco's presence on the international scene:

• Yvette Lambin-Berti, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, and permanent delegate to UNESCO in Paris
• Gilles Noghes, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Canada
• Patrick Van Klaveren, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Spain
• Evelyne Genta Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Great Britain

Monaco has been free to create embassies without the authorization of France since 2002, when the 2 countries signed the "Treaty Designed to Adapt and Uphold the Friendly and Cooperative Relations Between the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco". Under the provisions of the earlier 1918 treaty, Monaco was obliged to obtain the agreement of France before establishing diplomatic relations with other countries, but this is no longer the case.

Monaco's desire to strengthen its international position led to some notable achievements in 2009:

• Removal from OECD grey list
• Completion of membership procedure for Council of Europe
• Election to the Executive Board of UNESCO
• Active membership of the Union pour la Mediterranee
• Participation in the Copenhagen summit

For more information about Monaco's international relations, visit the Government's official website for Relations Exterieures.