Meetings with King Felipe VI and the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, will mark today the first day of the official visit of Prince Albert II and Charlène of Monaco, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic representation of the Principality in Spain.
This commemoration is part of the continuity of lasting historical relations between Monaco and Spain, “built on dialogue, cooperation, and shared values,” dating back to June 2, 1876, the date of the creation of a Delegation that remained linked to the Monaco Delegation in France until June 1945.
“Through this initiative, the Principality of Monaco reaffirms its commitment to cultural diplomacy and wishes to highlight the richness of exchanges, while valuing a common diplomatic heritage that is sometimes little known,” it adds on the website. This exceptional cultural program will extend throughout the year both in Spain and in the Principality.
During their meeting at the Palace of Zarzuela, Albert II and Felipe VI will address various matters of common interest before sharing a private lunch. Subsequently, the Monegasque sovereign will meet with the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, at the Palace of Moncloa.
After both meetings, the princes of Monaco will visit along with the kings of Spain the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid, where two exhibitions have been set up, in the Villanueva Pavilion, organized by the Embassy of Monaco in Spain to commemorate the 150 years of diplomatic relations.
The first exhibition, titled ‘Monaco and Spain: five centuries of shared history’, has been conceived in collaboration with the Archives of the Palace of Monaco and reviews the historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between both countries. The second, corresponding to the eighth edition of the Monaco Artists Forum, will highlight the diversity and richness of Monegasque artistic creation. Both have been open to the public since May 28 and will close on June 13.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Prince Albert will participate in several commemorative events for the tenth anniversary of the Spanish delegation of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, an institution that also celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year.
The day, focused on collaboration, innovation, and the training of new generations, will include a visit to IE University, where the head of the Monegasque State will deliver a speech during the conference ‘Leading the Future Through Collaboration: Talent, Innovation and Opportunity.’
According to the official statement, the meeting aims to promote the development of new talents and encourage innovation as a tool to drive sustainable solutions for future generations.
As part of the celebration of this anniversary, the Embassy of Monaco also organized on May 12 a joint concert of the Little Singers of Monaco and the Little Singers of the ORCAM Foundation, paving the way for collaboration in a new cultural area between Monaco and Spain.
On the occasion of this 150th anniversary, a special commemorative logo has been created to highlight the quality of relations between both countries and the importance that the Principality places on its permanence.
