Month: April 2018

A Monegasque delegation led by Gilles Tonelli, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, made a working visit to Lebanon from April 9 to 13, to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two states.

The Monegasque delegation was received by the President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun. Other meetings with the Lebanese authorities facilitated discussions on the partnerships supported by the Monegasque Cooperation, in health, education and the socio-economic integration of the most vulnerable populations.

During the trip Gilles Tonelli signed a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Director of the European Institute of Cooperation and Development (IECD), Nicolas Pinton, in support of very small companies in North Lebanon.

At the invitation of Fondation Mérieux, the Lebanese NGO Amel and the Municipality of Douris, which Monaco supports, the Minister also took part in the official ceremony of laying the foundation stone of a Mother Child Health Centre in Douris. The facility, located in the plain of Bekaa, will improve maternal and child health in the region.

Bilateral cooperation between the two states was initiated in 1993. In the current context of the Syrian crisis and international efforts in support of Lebanon, the Principality wishes to direct part of the increase in its Official Development Assistance in favour of this country.

Today Lebanon is the first-ranking host country in terms of number of refugees compared to its national population, with one refugee for three Lebanese. Many of the refugees are displaced Palestinians who have lived in Lebanon for several generations.

The Monegasque delegation was composed of: Gilles Tonelli, Minister of External Relations and Cooperation, Bechara K. El Khoury, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Lebanon, Bénédicte Schutz, Director of International Cooperation, Emilie Larese-Silvestre , Program Coordinator of the International Cooperation Directorate, Elodie Martin, Lebanon Program Manager at the Directorate of International Cooperation and Joseph Hayek, a colleague of the Monaco Consul in Lebanon.

Riccardo Giraudi has named his new restaurant concept in Monaco: Naçionalista. On the port of Fontvieille, the bar has pisco – a type of brandy – and ceviche, a regional fish dish.

The delicious flavours and authenticity of south American culture can be found in a rich and playful, well-rounded menu, Mr Giraudi says.

“A nice selection of cocktails has been designed by our bartender who makes drinks from the most traditional to the most creative before your eyes.

“Complete the experience with a guacamole garnished with pomegranate and smoked bacon, kale & goat cheese salad with chipotle sauce, a passion fruit wolf ceviche or tuna tiradito with yuzu ponzu. Then go for some tasty tacos stuffed with marinated pork or “Barbacoa” beef, crispy toastadas of Wagyu beef or yuzu tuna, or vegetarian empanadas.”

Naçionalista is open every day except Sunday, from 17:30 to 23:30, without reservation. 34A/B Quai Jean-Charles Rey, Port of Fontvieille.
+377 93253035 www.nacionalista.mc

It was in 2009 that the World Circus Federation, of which HSH Princess Stephanie is Honorary President and “Extraordinary Ambassador, proclaimed April 21 as World Circus Day.

This year, the Principality, through the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, has decided to actively participate in this initiative and will hold a circus event in the school gymnasium of the Stade Louis II, Saturday, April 21, from 15:00 in the presence of HSH Princess Stephanie. The show will last about one hour.

The public will see the team of Femina Sports of Monaco as well as the students of the circus school of Doctor Alain Frère (Tourrette-Levens).

The show will be presented by Lionel Goutelle, the New Generation’s Mister Loyal, and his assistant “Junior”, Thomas. The musical atmosphere has been entrusted to the Crazy Clowns, regulars at the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo. Free admission – Limited space.

His Excellency Mr Robert Fillon presented his credentials to HE Ms Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of the Republic of Malta, on Friday, April 13. HE Mr. Fillon is also Ambassador of Monaco to Italy, San Marino, Romania, Croatia and Slovenia.

A short exchange followed, in the presence of the Ambassador’s wife, the Monaco Consul in Malta and close associates of the President.

HE Mr Fillon underlined the Principality’s wish to enrich the diplomatic and consular relations established for many years between the two countries, through centres of common interest. The Ambassador mentioned in this respect the environmental concerns of the Principality, with regard to the marine environment in general and the Mediterranean in particular, those relating to culture – Valletta being “European Capital of Culture” for 2018 – as well as in sport. Malta, like Monaco, participates in the “Games of the Small States of Europe”).

On his first visit to Malta, the Ambassador also had the opportunity to meet HE Mr. Carmelo Abela, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and met with Mr. Angelo Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives and officials of the Chamber of Commerce in charge of international relations.

At the reception held by the Presidency of the Republic of Malta, attended by many personalities from the world of politics and business, HE Mr Robert Fillon delivered a speech in which he thanked the Maltese authorities for their warm welcome and their accessibility. He informed them of the intention of the Principality to intensify its relations with Malta in a spirit of cordial collaboration, sharing of experiences and participation in joint projects.

The Republic of Malta is the smallest state in the European Union. With a population of around 500,000 and enjoying good economic growth, it belongs to both the Schengen Area and the eurozone.

PHOTO: Presentation of the credentials of HE Mr Robert Fillon, Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the Republic of Malta, in Residence in Rome, HE Ms Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of the Republic of Malta.

Monaco’s traditional Sporting Summer Festival will feature fewer concerts in 2018, but among the scheduled 19 events there will be more top-level performers, according to the SBM.

Jean-René Palacio, SBM’s artistic director, told local French daily Monaco Matin that there will be shows that can be seen in Monaco but nowhere else.

Ringo Starr will open the season on July 6, for a unique concert in which he plays drums, of course, but also sings, the daily said. Other stars include Grace Jones and Rita Ora. Returning to the Salle des Etoiles will be Santana and Tom Jones. Some of the concerts will be held at the Salle Garnier, continuing a trend from last year.

Possibly the high point of the summer festival will be a five-night appearance by the Cirque du Soleil in mid-August, who will perform a show called ‘Monte-Carlo.’

“It’s a unique creation for the Principality, with Cirque du Soleil’s imagination in fifteen scenarios that evokes the history of Monte-Carlo and its casinos,” said Jean-René Palacio.

Nearly 20,000 vehicles use the A500 motorway – the junction between Monaco and the A8 motorway – daily, most often for commuting to and from the Principality. To help motorists learn more about real-time traffic conditions, the Prince’s Government, through the Urban Development Department (DAU), VINCI Autoroutes and the Nice Cote d’Azur Metropolis, has developed an electronic information system.

Travel times on the A500 motorway, the RM 6007 and roads within the Principality itself will be displayed on variable message information panels. The user will be able to estimate his time of arrival, in both directions of circulation.

To optimise this information, the Princely Government and VINCI Autoroutes, in partnership with the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, have set up eight travel time sensors, located at strategic points between the A8 motorway and the centre of Monaco, a very busy route.

In total, VINCI Autoroutes provides 12 different travel times to the DAU which manages the display. The 8 billboards allow motorists from Monaco to benefit from the main travel times between: Monaco and the A8 motorway; Monaco and a number of destinations along the A8, including Nice Airport, Cannes, and Aix-en-Provence.

From the A8 motorway to Monaco-Fontvieille and Monte-Carlo, motorists will benefit from a journey time display on several variable message signs on the A8 motorway and four signs between the A500 motorway and Monaco.

The DAU already has 30 billboards with variable messages, six in France and 24 in the Principality. It will acquire 10 more during 2018.