After being Director General of the Principality of Monaco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for almost 7 years, Mireille Pettiti is now Monegasque Ambassador to the Russian Federation. We asked her about the relations between the two countries.
The Russian President has noted several times his satisfaction with the high quality of relations in existence between Russia and Monaco. Can you tell us what kind of relations have been developed and how collaboration between the two countries can be increased?
The Principality of Monaco and its Princes in particular have enjoyed friendly relations with Russia for over three centuries, but they have strengthened since the official visit of H.S.H. Prince Albert II in October 2013, as President Putin noted in his speech on the occasion of the presentation of my letters of credence on 28 May.
Thus, the Sovereign Prince’s and the Russian President’s signature of a joint declaration providing for regular consultations between the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Monegasque Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, has been the source of many contacts between our Minister and the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. S. Lavrov, and his Deputy Minister Mr. A. Meshkov. A meeting of H.E. Mr. Roger, Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco and his Russian counterpart, Mr. D. Medvedev, was also organized during a working visit to Moscow which took place in January 2015.
Culturally speaking, under the impetus of the two heads of state, 2015 has allowed us - and this will continue for the rest of the year – to honour Russian culture in Monaco with the presentation of over 150 mainly artistic events. Some examples are:
- The Bolshoi Theatre Ballets performance, with a creation by J.C. Maillot, Director of the Compagnie des Ballets de Monte-Carlo, at the Grimaldi Forum for the opening ceremony;
- The summer exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum De Chagall à Malevitch, la révolution des avant-gardes;
- The concert conducted by Valeri Guerguiev in the courtyard of the Prince’s Palace;
- Denis Matsuev’s concert for the closing ceremony.
But it should be noted that cultural relations between Monaco and Russia did not begin in 2015. There have been several instances of collaboration of Russian and Monegasque cultural organizations in the past, and the joint performance of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo and the Bolshoi Theatre Ballets particularly comes to mind.
As for our economic relations, initiatives have been organized with the participation of the Monegasque Association of Financial Activities - A.M.A.F – by the Monaco Chamber of Economic Development (CDE), soon to be “Monaco Economic Board”, which is in contact with top level Russian business organizations such as the RSPP (Union of Russian Industrialists and Entrepreneurs), Delovaya Rossya (Organizations of Russian SMEs) and the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The CDE will also sign agreements with these 3 organizations at the Russian Economic Forum to be organized in Monaco this December.
Finally, as regards the scientific field, in 2013 Russia joined CIESM (The Mediterranean Science Commission), an organization chaired by H.S.H. Prince Albert II which has its headquarters in Monaco.
Can these relations be further strengthened?
The degree of collaboration of the Russian and Monegasque authorities is already very high and our two governments are working on a daily basis to ensure the success of the “Year of Russia”.
The organization of this Year of Russia, unique in its kind, represents solid foundations for strengthening our relations.
2016 will mark the tenth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Monaco. This opportunity will be used to organize different types of events, especially in Moscow.
Moreover, I believe it is essential to develop relations in Russia’s regions, and particularly in St. Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don, the city near Sochi where an Honorary Consul of Monaco was appointed recently. So in future years, my actions will focus on these economically interesting regions for Monaco.
How is the Principality of Monaco perceived in Russia?
It is clear that glamour and luxury remain the initial image of Monaco. This can be mainly explained by the fact that Russians are familiar with Monaco’s offering of very high-end products and services for wealthy customers, an offering that is not easily available elsewhere (gastronomy, private banks, leisure areas, entertainment facilities etc.).
But in my opinion, in Russia the Principality of Monaco is perceived as a country that offers people an incomparable quality of life and a very pleasant climate.
Also, mention is often made of sports events when people in Russia speak about Monaco. Generally they refer to the Tennis Masters and, of course, to the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Political and financial stability as well as the safety of Monaco are also elements which I believe are taken into account.
Do any Monegasques live in Russia permanently?
The number of Monegasque nationals living in Russia is very small. To my knowledge there are only two.
Why are there fewer Russian tourists in Monaco?
The Principality remains a popular destination for Russians. If you are referring to the number of overnight stays, there has been a not very significant drop in Russian tourists in the past three years.
In addition, the slight decline in tourism is largely due to the economic crisis which has impacted on the average standard of living, and is particularly due to this year’s volatile rouble exchange rate.
