The Sovereign and four hundred guests were greeted at the Fairmont by Marine de Carné-Trécesson, the French ambassador to Monaco, to celebrate the French National Day and commemorate last year’s attack. A celebration in true French style: with popular songs and France’s culinary specialties. Because life goes on.
How was Monaco’s support manifested after the attack on 14 July?
In the first place, it has been demonstrated on 14 July by the presence of the Prince, the Minister of State and the Minister of the Interior alongside the President of the Republic and the population of Nice. It is through moral support. At the time of the attack, the Red Cross and the hospital helped the injured, and the Monegasque Red Cross handled a check for wounded victims.
Was that the manifestation of a bond between France and Monaco? Absolutely. We are neighbors. There is geographical, cultural, and human intimacy. Each citizen felt this pain. We have a common destiny, there are almost no borders. We share the same values but also risks and especially a common future.
The agreement was signed for this future? In fact, several agreements have been signed. On health issues first: the most important is blood, so that the blood collected in Monaco can be treated by the French Agency for blood.
Before that, it did not have the opportunity to treat foreign blood. Secondly, there is a security agreement following the legislation that was adopted in Monaco after the various attacks (see below).
Further proof of the Principality’s support? Yes, and vice versa. All the safety here is ensured by France. The firemen, the police, the carabinieri are almost all French. This greatly facilitates cooperation. In addition, the treaty of 2005 stipulates that France shall ensure the security and protection of Monegasque territory under the same conditions as its own. Moreover, a French patrol will attend this evening, while the Prince is there, with a French flag and a Monegasque flag. It is proof that we are united and we are providing security together. Only in this way can we combat terrorism: united, standing up, and proud of our values.
The Prince’s Letter
On this French national holiday, Prince Albert II sent a letter to the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron. The Sovereign, present at the ceremony in Nice, assured the French Head of State that:”in my personal name, my family and the people of the Principality, my country is in proximity to yours during this special day of recollection and remembrance and in union with the city of Nice. Together we will address the challenges of renewed security, restored confidence, sustainable development and solidarity among the continents around the values we share, in line with the community of destiny that has united us for so long.”
