Albert II, Prince of Monaco has welcomed Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for a one-day official visit to the Principality.
On Tuesday morning, His Serene Highness and the Serbian Head of State stood in the Princely Palace’s Court of Honour as the two national anthems were played by the Orchestra of the Prince’s Carabinieri.
After the military review of the troops present for the occasion, the two Heads of State entered the Palace, where they held a bilateral meeting in the presence of members of both delegations.
On the Serbian side, President Vučić was accompanied by Nikola Selakovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tanja Jovic, Diplomatic Councillor of the President.
The Monégasque representation was composed of Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of External Relations and Cooperation, and Sophie Vatrican, Councillor of the Cabinet of HSH the Prince.
During the bilateral meeting, a preliminary agreement was signed by both parties for an engagement to open an economic and diplomatic mission from Monaco to Serbia in order to strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Other issues were discussed, including economic and diplomatic cooperation, as well as global security. The latter is a topic of particular relevance since President Vučić has made headlines in Europe recently because of his ambiguous stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In contrast, Monaco has pledged its support for Ukraine.
After the bilateral meeting, and before the signature ceremony, Prince Albert granted the decorations of the Grand Cross of the Order of St Charles onto President Vučić, in recognition of the services granted to the country or the Prince personally.
Before enjoying a lunch in the Grand Dining Room of the Palace, the two Heads of State watched the changing of the guard in the Palace’s court from a window of the Glaces Room.
In the evening, the two leaders were the guests of honour at the Monte Carlo Opera for a showing of Werther, a piece by Jules Massenet.
The following morning, president Vučić departed the Principality and made his way to Spain, where he was welcomed by King Felipe at Zarzuela Palace for a short meeting and a lunch.
