The two ocean-loving nations of Monaco and Nauru, the world’s smallest official republic, have formally established diplomatic relations following a meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York. 

On 21st May, the Republic of Nauru became the 159th state to officiate diplomatic relations with the Principality of Monaco. 

Isabelle Picco, Monaco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, met and co-signed the agreement with her Nauruan counterpart, Margo Deiye, during an official Nauru Mission to the US by representatives of the micro-state in Micronesia. 

See more: Monaco formalises diplomatic relations with The Bahamas

The island nation, which has been a member of the United Nations since 1999, covers just 21km2 and has a population of around 11,000. It is the world’s smallest republic and the third smallest country, after the Vatican City and Monaco itself.  

Given its location in Oceania, near the equator, Nauru is increasingly feeling the threats of climate change, particularly extreme heat waves and rising sea levels.

During the recent meeting between Picco and Deiye, the Permanent Representatives are understood to have discussed several topics of common interest, such as “the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, and the sharing of benefits for developing countries within the framework of the High Seas Treaty”. 

Read related:

Monaco first in EU to ratify UN High Seas Treaty on protections outside national jurisdictions

Join the Monaco Life community – sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.   

Photo credit: United Nations