14/07/2009-
The “Club of the Friends of Monaco in Austria” was recently set up. Its President and certain club members were invited to the Principality from 12th to 14th July.
Founded a few months ago in Vienna, the club groups together, under the Presidency of Ambassador Franz Cesca, a number of Austrian key figures from the economic and cultural worlds, in close contact with the Principality.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Monaco to Austria, H.E. Mr Claude Giordan, as well as the honorary consul of the Principality in Vienna, Dr Christian Dorda, are ex officio members.
The purpose of the Club, which has the support of the Department of External Relations, the Tourist and Convention Authority and the Department of Cultural Affairs, is to act as a bridge between both countries so as to arouse the interest of Austrians in Monegasque events and day-to-day life, and vice versa.
Austrian and Monegasque cultural groups and companies should find opportunities for additional contacts and exchanges in the future.
During the stay, the members of the club were given information on the various aspects of the Principality’s economic and cultural life. The visit was organised with the assistance of the various Monegasque players concerned, including the Chamber of Economic Development (CDE), the Monegasque Association of Financial Activities (AMAF) and major Monegasque artistic institutions that wished to be involved in this initiative.
The members had the opportunity of enjoying some of the prestigious summer cultural events, such as the concerts in the main courtyard of the Prince’s Palace and the exhibition “Splendours of the Romanovs” at the Grimaldi Forum.
The highlight of the visit: H.S.H. Prince Albert II received the “Club of the Friends of Monaco in Austria" at the Prince's Palace to show his support for this initiative and encourage its development.
In a few months, the “Club” will be meeting in Vienna to discuss future initiatives to forge new ties between the Principality and Austria, which is not only a friend, but also very close to Monaco in its history and temperament. |