Your Serene Highness,

Allow me to thank you for your personal and direct support in allowing this gathering to take place in your beautiful and magical country and, more specifically, to be held under your distinguished patronage.

All great initiatives start with a shared vision that inspires small groups of men and women who wish to work for the common good.

Thus, 30 years ago, a group of seven visionary people met in Denmark and decided to create the FICAC.

t gives me great pleasure to be with you tonight for the 10^th World Congress of Consuls being held in Monaco during this 30^th World Federation of Consul (FICAC) anniversary’s year.

This Congress has gathered more than 200 official delegates, representing more than 90 countries from across the four corners of the globe. Such a rich and mature attendance testifies of the importance of the consular function and consolidates a new form of collaboration within the continuously growing role of the FICAC.

Today, I am very proud, happy and privileged to be part of the FICAC World Congress of Consuls 2012 in the beautiful city of Monte Carlo, Monaco.

We have the distinct honour of closing our first day’s meeting of the 10th FICAC World Congress of Consuls 2012 in the illustrious presence of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco.

I am particularly grateful to the president, Hon. Moustapha El-Solh, and members of the Association of Honorary Consuls of Monaco and the chairman of the Organising Committee of the FICAC World Congress 2012, Hon. Takis Touliatos

It is a great pleasure for me to extend a special welcome to all of you who will attend the 1O~ World Congress of Consuls being held in the Principality of Monaco this coming November during the 3O^th FICAC anniversary’s year.