Viva U Principu! – Annual Diplomatic Reception in Berlin, Germany

His Excellency Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano hosted Monaco’s Annual Diplomatic Reception in Germany in honour of the 20th anniversary of H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s accession to the throne.

His Excellency Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano continues to set an excellent example in elevating the attractivity of the Principality of Monaco to an international level.

On July 11th, 2025, around 200 guests and friends of the Principality, including numerous ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, guests of the Club Allemand International (International German Club of Monaco) and valued partners of the Living in Monaco magazine were warmly welcomed at the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel by His Excellency Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano and his wonderful wife, Claudia.

In his speech, the Ambassador emphasized an important milestone, the 20th anniversary of the accession to the Throne of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. 

“Time flies… I remember that day very well… we, the Monegasque People, gathered on the Palace square to acclaim our new Sovereign Prince. After having supported Prince Rainier III during his 56 years of reign, we were entering into a new era… a blank page of our modern history to be shaped and written.

I was there, on that July 12th, 2005… much younger, no gray hair, and full of energy at the service of my government.

I listened to the Prince’s speech, which bolstered the enthusiasm of the Monegasque People, by reaffirming the fundamental values and common aspirations we had been sharing for decades.

And here I am, 20 years later, having the privilege of serving as His Ambassador to Germany, Austria and Poland… proud of witnessing that the Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and world respected country, and echoing the messages that Prince Albert delivers all over the planet,” – remembered Ambassador Ravano.

Ambassador Ravano highlighted the legacy of His Serene Highness, and His tireless effort to advocate for the preservation of the planet, our planet. 

“H.S.H. Prince Albert II puts the environmental issues on top of the agenda, such as during the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, held in Monaco this summer, in conjunction with the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference held in the neighboring city of Nice.

The Forum brought to Monaco 1,800 participants from nearly 100 countries. It highlighted over 25 billion euros in already identified investments in concrete ocean transition projects, and raised new firm financial commitments totaling 8.7 billion euros by 2030.”

Ambassador Ravano made a captivating speech with proudness in his heart.

“I have always been attracted by serving my country. After my studies, I joined the Government where I fulfilled several missions from public works to tourism, and eventually to philately (stamps, a very important symbol of Sovereignty for a country).

After 15 successful years as a civil servant in Monaco, I had the privilege of being selected in 2008 to serve the Principality as a diplomat in Washington D.C.

I have always been deeply drawn to the idea of fostering understanding and collaboration between different cultures and countries. The diplomatic career would then allow me to channel this passion into official meaningful action and forging strong international relationships.”

Currently, the Principality of Monaco has diplomatic relations with 162 countries, and 13 Ambassadors, mainly based in Europe and North America, are accredited to 23 countries as well as to major International Organizations. 

In addition, 3 non-resident Ambassadors, based in Monaco, are accredited to 5 countries (Australia, China, India, Japan, and Russia). 

Finally, Monaco can count on 132 Consulates in 85 countries. In Germany, there are Honorary Consuls in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Potsdam, as well as one in Vienna (Austria), and one in Warsaw (Poland).

Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano has been the Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco in Germany since June 21, 2022. Before arriving in Berlin, Ambassador Ravano served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Monaco in Washington D.C. from 2008 through 2017, where he was also accredited to Canada and to the Organization of American States.

But his portfolio is actually much wider, since he is also accredited to Austria and Poland, Permanent Representative of Monaco to the Office of the United Nations in Vienna, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). 

In addition, Ambassador Ravano is the Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and represents Monaco to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation (based in Poland).

During the Annual Diplomatic Reception, Ambassador Ravano highlighted that Monaco has excellent relationships with the whole world, and Germany is no exception. Having diplomatic relations with 162 Countries is certainly a proof of Monaco’s international vocation. And this year’s State visits in Monaco of President Macron and of Monsignor Paul Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, are witnesses of the mutual respect and recognition.

2024 marked 75 years of membership with UNESCO and the 20th anniversary of Monaco’s accession to the Council of Europe. In 2026, for the first time, Monaco will take on the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

He is honored to represent a Sovereign Country that is actively involved in all major International Organizations. Just a few weeks after the event, Ambassador Ravano represented his Country, as a founding participating state, at the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the founding treaty of the nowadays called Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

“Having the opportunity to represent a country like the Principality of Monaco is, in many aspects, a blessing mission. 

Indeed, Monaco has more friends than enemies, and many assets allowing its positive image to expand all around the world. However, competition exists, and we need to keep the visibility and attractivity of Monaco as high as possible.

Being an Ambassador is a multiple-dimensional mission. 

First and foremost, I represent H.S.H. Prince Albert II and promote the priorities His Highness sets for Monaco, in Germany, Austria and Poland. As you can imagine, this is an honour, but also a high responsibility. 

Furthermore, on a bilateral level, my role is to promote the Principality of Monaco in general and contribute to strenghtening relations between the Principality and the countries under my jurisdiction, mainly through economic, diplomatic, or cultural activities. 

My mission is to build bridges, to assist Monegasque companies to enter new markets, as well as enhancing the attractivity of Monaco and convincing high-level individuals to invest and eventually become residents of the Principality. 

Finally, on a multilateral level, my role is to join other countries in promoting common core principles and fundamental values such as the preservation of the rule of law and the promotion of human rights, democracy, gender equality, the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity among others.

I contribute to bringing the voice of Monaco to a global scale in multilateral fora.”

During his speech Ambassador Ravano also highlighted some fascinating facts related to the city-state, Monaco.

“Imagine that after being a minority in their own Country, the Monegasque citizens have become the more numerous for the first time in 2024, and we should reach the impressive figure of 10.000 Monegasque citizens in a near future!

In addition, Monaco generates more jobs than its own population! Indeed, 40.000 people of 145 nationalities live in Monaco, but more than 65.000 jobs are generated in the Principality and benefit to many workers of the neighboring cities!

Life expectancy in Monaco reached 87 years old, which is the world record!

And lately, Monaco was able to increase its own territory with the inauguration of its new eco-district, built on the sea by the famous architect Renzo Piano, called Mareterra. The construction of Mareterra has been done in compliance with the best environmental standards, using innovative and sustainable techniques.”

Finally Ambassador Ravano emphasized on the fact that with no army nor ammunitions, Monaco means to represent a Country that focuses on soft power, in several fields:

“Economy and finance which are important to all of us. Monaco sent a taskforce to Davos World Economic Forum, where a successful Monaco Day was organized for the first time.

Sport. Monaco was the starting point of the Tour de France’s final stage in 2024 and will host the launch of La Vuelta in 2026. And as a recognition of our commitment to sport, Monaco has been appointed 2025 World Capital of Sports.

Tourism. Monaco has been awarded the title of Best Destination in Europe 2025.

Culture. And like many other countries represented here today, Monaco is present in Osaka for the World Expo 2025.

And finally branding. Last year, I was happy to announce to you the inauguration of a mini-Monaco in the Miniatur Wunderland museum in Hamburg. Well, in 2026, Europa-Park, the first tourist attraction in Germany created 50 years ago, will open a Monaco area!”

Ambassador Ravano strongly believes that connecting Monaco residents with foreign people interested in the Principality is a win-win situation. Offering the opportunity to people to receive first-hand information about the living environment of the Principality is an invaluable commodity that can open horizons and benefit everyone.

During the annual diplomatic reception of the Principality of Monaco, Ambassador Ravano offered an authentic platform for the diplomatic and political scene in Berlin, when he invited Monaco residents to share their personal experiences on living and having a business in Monaco.

Once again, Ambassador Ravano entrusted Niche Media to curate the invited residents from different fields of activities. For this occasion, Ambassador Ravano invited to the stage Mr Zsolt Szemerszky, the Founder of the  Living in Monaco magazine, who have had the pleasure of living in the Principality of Monaco for the past 15 years, having originally moved from Berlin.

“What an honour it was to collaborate once again on such a prestigious event in a city that I know, as I have lived there before,” – says Mr Szemerszky.

Mr Szemerszky started his speech by saying that Monaco may be a small city-state, but it is filled with successful, visionary, and inspiring individuals. It is not just a country of athletes, but one that celebrates and rewards those who have achieved excellence in many areas of life.

“Through meeting countless fellow residents, I found myself deeply inspired. Monaco motivated me to launch my own ventures—ranging from art finance to space technology investments—all because the people of Monaco dared me to dream big,” – said Mr Szemerszky.

As a small token of appreciation, Mr Szemerszky invited some fellow residents and collectively they wanted to contribute to the Annual Diplomatic Reception event by offering gift bags showcasing the spirit of Monaco’s entrepreneurship.

The first present, a limited edition of Monacqua water was offered by Geeta Kalwani. Monacqua is Monaco’s very own sustainably packaged mineral water, born from a mother’s desire to offer children a better future. Each and every bottle of Monacqua supports a good cause as part of the proceeds supporting the Princess Grace Foundation. The limited-edition bottle featured artwork by contemporary artist George Condo, and starting this autumn, it will be exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris.

Mr. Alessandro Giuliani, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in the Principality of Monaco is also joined to the participating guests. A successful entrepreneur in Italy’s fine food industry, Mr. Giuliani contributed special herbal infusions, perfect for warming up during the coming winter in Berlin!

For the second consecutive year, long-term residents Mr Daniel Vicari, a successful multi-entrepreneur, and his partner Elena Magnino expressed their continuing support. As the founder of Luxe-Aura Cosmetics, Mr Vicari brings his passion for chemistry into the world of beauty. 

Lastly, Niche Media offered a Living in Monaco magazine that features the latest statistics on the population and living environment—a fascinating read that reveals the true makeup of the Principality and the people who shape it.

Gathering together as residents on the stage in front of 200 Dignitaries, Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and political figures was an uplifting experience. 

Especially observing how much the foreign diplomats and Ambassadors were genuinely interested in better understanding the Principality of Monaco from a very interesting, personal angle.

“This event perfectly resonated with all the community values that made me establish Living in Monaco magazine 13 years ago, as I truly believe that Monaco is not just a geographical location but a wonderful hub bringing together established people from diverse cultural backgrounds,” – concludes Mr Szemerszky.

With the team of Niche Media and the Living in Monaco magazine, we cannot express enough our gratitude towards His Excellency Ambassador Ravano and his wife Claudia, as well as to all the valued members of the Monaco Embassy, for making this unique opportunity once again happen and allowing us to contribute to Monaco, a city-state that we all dearly love.