France’s new ambassador to Monaco, Christophe Lemoine, formally began his mission in the Principality on Thursday 17th September, presenting his letters of credence to Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at the Prince’s Palace. The ceremony marks the official start of his posting; he succeeds Jean d’Haussonville, who served as France’s ambassador to Monaco for three years.

Lemoine, 52, took up the post on 1st September, following his appointment by French presidential decree in August. Before arriving in Monaco he served as an inspector of foreign affairs, and his earlier postings include Consul General of France in Los Angeles and deputy head of the French Embassy in Rome. In Paris, he was spokesperson for the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs — the Quai d’Orsay — and its director of communication, and earlier served as chief of staff to the then foreign minister, Laurent Fabius. A graduate of Sciences Po Bordeaux and the Sorbonne, he began his career with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees before joining the French foreign ministry.

A dense bilateral relationship

He takes up a post at the centre of one of France’s closest bilateral relationships. The two countries are bound by more than 200 treaties and agreements covering areas including taxation, social security, policing, healthcare, education and cross-border employment, and tens of thousands of French residents commute into Monaco for work each day.

Around 8,200 French nationals live in the Principality. France’s representation in Monaco was raised from a consulate general to a full embassy in 2006, following the friendship and cooperation treaty signed by the two countries in 2002.

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Photo credis: Michaël Alesi – Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier