Albert and Charlene welcomed the Council of Europe's 46 ambassadors in Monaco
Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed the ambassadors of the Council of Europe's 46 member states to the Prince's Palace. Monaco holds the presidency of the Committee of Ministers until 10 November, for the first time since it joined.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed the ambassadors and permanent representatives of the Council of Europe's 46 member states to the Prince's Palace in Monaco on Wednesday. The occasion is Monaco's first ever presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers.
The princely couple with the delegates in the Cour d’Honneur of the Prince’s Palace. Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco
• Monaco's presidency
Monaco holds the presidency of the Committee of Ministers from 15 May to 10 November this year. It is the first time the principality has held the post since joining the Council of Europe. The presidency was handed over from Moldova at the committee's 135th session in Chisinau on 15 May.
Monaco has set out four priorities for the period: ethics in sport, children's rights, the fight against gender-based violence, and stronger international cooperation on human rights.
• The meeting in Monaco
The principality hosted the Committee of Ministers' 1,567th meeting at ambassadorial level. The Committee of Ministers is the Council of Europe's decision-making body, and normally meets at ministerial level once a year and at ambassadorial level every week in Strasbourg.
Earlier the same day the representatives gathered at the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco, where one of the themes was the environmental crisis seen through the lens of human rights.
• The Prince's address
Prince Albert addressed those present, with Princess Charlene at his side. Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco
In his address, Prince Albert underlined Monaco's commitment to multilateral cooperation, dialogue and the rule of law. He also highlighted the role of the Council of Europe in meeting the challenges facing European societies.
Afterwards the princely couple posed for a group photograph with the participants in the palace's Cour d'Honneur. Among them were the Council of Europe's Secretary General Alain Berset and Deputy Secretary General Tanja Gonggrijp.