Prince Albert II of Monaco paid a visit to Russia on 6 October to mark the tenth anniversary of renewed diplomatic relations between Monaco and Russia. He had an audience with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Afterwards the two heads of state opened the exhibition “The Romanovs and the Grimaldis: Three Centuries of History”, which is being shown at the State Tretyakov Gallery as part of the Days of Monaco in Russia cultural program. There are over 200 items in the exhibition, which show the close ties between the Russian and Monegasque ruling families. The items were loaned from the Prince’s Palace of Monaco archives and library, the State Archive of the Russian Federation and several Russian museums.
Prince Albert and President Vladimir Putin both gave speeches at the opening of the exhibition and spoke of the importance of the cultural programs, which continue to strengthen the relationship between Monaco and Russia.
“I am very glad that we began your visit with a milestone event – with opening an exhibition devoted to the ties between Monaco and Russia. We saw at first hand how long and how constructive relations between Russia and Monaco have been developing,” Putin said during the meeting with Prince Albert after visiting the exhibition.
“Now, 10 years after re-establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, I mark with a great pleasure an excellent level of cooperation between Russia and Monaco in various spheres. I am sure that Moscow shares this point of view and is going to develop such cooperation,” Prince Albert said.
One of the highlights is a 1895 Fabergé Blue Serpent Clock Egg that was a gift for Empress Maria Feodorovna and was later purchased by Prince Rainier III of Monaco for his wife Princess Grace.
A trade mission by Monaco’s Economic Board coincides with Prince Albert’s visit to Moscow.
