Prince Albert II of Monaco is currently in Malaysia on a mission to foster closer relations with the Southeast Asian nation and find out more about its policies on the environment and animal protection.
When Malaysia’s King Abdullah of Pahang extended an invitation to Prince Albert, Monaco’s sovereign gladly took him up on the offer to visit the beautiful nation and landed in the capital of Kuala Lumpur on Sunday 26th November, with plans to remain until Wednesday 29th November.
This official visit has several focuses, namely the bolstering of both economic and political ties between the countries and the sharing of information on Malaysia’s local initiatives in favour of biodiversity and the safeguarding of endangered animals.
NEW CONSULATE
There are administrative aspects to the trip too, including the inauguration of a new Honorary Consulate of Monaco, as announced by the Palais Princier de Monaco on social media.
“Prince Albert II arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a three-day State Visit,” shared a Palace spokesperson. “Invited by His Majesty King Abdullah, the Sovereign Prince began the programme of His trip by inaugurating the new Consulate of the Principality of Monaco placed under the direction of Mr. Sri Naresh Mohan, [who was] recently appointed Honorary Consul.”
On Monday 27th November, Prince Albert attended a welcoming ceremony followed by a state banquet hosted by King Abdullah and his wife, Queen Tunku Azizah, at the National Palace.
The national anthems of both countries were sung followed by a symbolic firing of canons. The two leaders planted a fruit tree native to the region, a Pokok Keranji, before Prince Albert was invited into the inner rooms of the National Palace for a ceremony in which he was given the “highest distinction of the country” by King Abdullah.
BUSY SCHEDULE
The Prince will not slow down with his appointments in the coming days as he is set to participate in the Monaco Economic Forum Kuala Lumpur 2023 meeting, which is being put on by the Monaco Economic Board and will gather local entrepreneurs to discuss the business possibilities that exist between the two nations.
Before departing, Prince Albert is due to accompany the Malaysian King on a tour of the Malaysian Tiger Conservation Centre and the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre, both located in the Sultanate of Pahang.
Click on the images below to see more from the first part of Prince Albert’s state visit to Malaysia:
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Photo credits: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco