Bridging Nations: Mr. Alessandro Giuliani’s Vision as Honorary Consul

An exclusive interview with Mr Alessandro Giuliani, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in the Principality of Monaco about the past, present and future of the Polish-Monaco relations.

Mr Alessandro Giuliani, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in the Principality of Monaco was born close to Milan in Italy’s Lombardy region. Since high school, Mr Giuliani has been interested in diplomacy, and he decided to attend the Political Science’s faculty, specializing in international politics.

“Despite my strong passion for mathematics and architecture, the opportunity to collaborate and highlight the qualities and potential of the “sending” Country and the “residence” one, and vice-versa, has always encouraged me.”

When did you arrive in Monaco?

“I have known and frequented the Principality of Monaco since I was a child with my parents and family. We also had a house close by since always. Since 2009, I have been living there permanently, also for work reasons. Monaco is my “heart’s country”, my home in all aspects.”

How does Milan, Italy compare to Monaco?

“To tell the truth, I have never compared the Principality with Milan, nor with the region to the south, in its countryside, where we have an house and the century-old activity of my family, that is an historic mill producing both wheat and corn flours. 

More than comparing the two cities, I have always tried to “compensate” them, that is to live and take the best and positive of both, in order to improve myself and enrich my experiences.”

In 2024, Mr Giuliani, was appointed as the new Honorary Consul of Poland in Monaco.

What is your main goal as a Honorary Consul representing Poland abroad?

“My main objectives as the official representative of the Republic of Poland to the Principality of Monaco are to implement and follow exactly and as best as possible those dictated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of my sending Country, Poland.

In exercising my consular functions, I follow the norms of international law, including customary international law, in particular the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and Honorary ones, or those of the bilateral consular convention between the Republic of Poland and the Principality, as well as the law.

The Consular functions’ scope is defined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time of the appointment of the Honorary Consul. 

Activities aimed at developing and deepening economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation between the Republic of Poland and the Principality and activities aimed at promoting the Polish economy, science and culture as well as the Polish language.

In exercising my activity in this area, I closely cooperate with the Polish diaspora, in particular with representatives of Polish organizations operating in the territory of the consular district (if there are), following the instructions of the Head of the Representation.

The Honorary Consul shall support the implementation of actions and steps taken by the Poland’s circles aimed at popularizing Polish culture, history, language and national traditions. 

I shall be obliged to act in favour of the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Poland and the Principality of Monaco.

In the field of promoting the development of economic cooperation, the Honorary Consul shall:

act in favour of activating economic cooperation, trade and the development of Polish exports, by undertaking activities serving to establish conditions that favour them. For this purpose, it is relevant to establish contacts with bilateral or multilateral chambers of commerce and economics, those where the Polish side and the Monaco’ s one are founding subjects;

make possible and facilitate the establishment of contacts between interested Polish economic entities and companies operating in the Principality.”

Could you describe Poland’s primary diplomatic goals in Monaco and the wider region of Southern Europe?

“Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Poland and the Principality of Monaco were established in 1990 and elevated to the embassies’ rank on September 27th, 2007.

In accordance with the decision of the Republic of Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs of September 18th, 2007, the Principality was incorporated into the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of Poland’ s Embassy in Paris.

The Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco accredited to Poland is based in Berlin. This function is currently held by H.E. Mr Lorenzo Ravano, who presented his credentials to H.E. Mr Andrzej Duda, the Poland’s President, on April 13th, 2023.

The Republic of Poland’s Ambassador accredited to Monaco is based in Paris. This function is currently held by H.E. Mr Jan Emerik Rosciszewski, who presented his credentials to H.S.H. the Prince Albert II of Monaco, on Mai 5th, 2023.

However, consular relations between the two countries were established in 2004.

H.S.H. the Souverain Prince Albert II and the Princess Charlène of Monaco did an official visit to Poland on October 17th and 19th, 2012.

On the Polish side, official visits were made by Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Under State’s Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on June 18th and 19th, 2015; and by Marcin Ociepa, Under State’s Secretary at the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology on May 17th, 2018.

On September 20th, 2016, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Witold Waszczykowski, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Monaco, Gilles Tonelli, met at the 71st session of the Unites Nations’ General Assembly.

Informal bilateral contacts are most often held at international conferences within the framework of the Unites Nations’ General Assembly, the World Tourism Organization or the International Organization of La Francophonie.

Concerning Economic cooperation, the trade relations between Poland and Monaco, exports and imports for the period 2015 – 2023 with the share attributable to Poland in total foreign trade on the basis of data from the Principality of Monaco are presented in the table (next page).”

“Historically, after regaining its independence in 1918, Poland established consular relations with Monaco.

Before the outbreak of World War II, the last Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Monaco was, for several years, Mieczysław Oxner, a leading specialist in marine aquarium construction, creator of the method of chemical analysis of seawater, marine biology expert.

Mr. Oxner also took part in the development and expansion of the large aquarium at the Monaco Oceanographic Museum, where he worked after graduating from Zurich in 1907.

In September 1939, Oxner helped the Poles present in Monaco during the war.

For refusing to cooperate with the Germans, on September 1st, 1944, Oxner was arrested and sent to the Auschwitz – Birkenau concentration camp where he died.

The Diplomatic Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays in the Republic of Poland the role of state protocol, which determines the general rules of protocol to be followed by the state and self-government administration in relations with foreign partners, and with the local Diplomatic and Consular corps.

The activities carried out by Polish diplomacy align with the principles of Polish foreign policy. According to the Government Departments Act of September 4th, 1997, the Minister of Foreign Affairs coordinates the annual formulation of these principles, submitting them for consideration and approval by the Council of Ministers.

Using the approved government document as a basis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs provides the Sejm of the Republic of Poland with detailed information about the tasks of Polish foreign policy for the upcoming year. This address, commonly referred to as the “exposé”, is typically delivered at the beginning of the calendar year.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is also responsible for developing long-term strategies in the field of foreign affairs. It participates in or monitors political, economic and social processes, which take place on a global scale and in our international surroundings. This involvement is driven by an active, priority-focused sectoral policy.

Cooperation with the Polish community and Poles living abroad is also within the remit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is effected by coordinating the Ministries’ work in order to agree the common lines of activity, the principles of cooperation, and by analysing the results of government actions towards the Polish community and Poles abroad.

The Ministry’s mission is to represent and protect Poles abroad as a national minority with regard to their rights under multilateral international agreements, bilateral agreements, and established custom. Where

Poles are not a national minority in the legal sense, the Ministry ensures that the rights of Poles and the Polish diaspora are not less favourable than those of other nationalities.

Together with Polish Diplomatic and Consular posts and Institutes of Polish Culture abroad, the Ministry supports the teaching of the Polish language, in Polish, and promotes the knowledge of Poland among Poles and the Polish diaspora. It ensures the preservation and strengthening of Polish national identity and allows the Polish community and Poles abroad to participate in national culture. This is achieved by funding cultural projects such as concerts, film retrospectives, theatrical productions, and exhibitions.

The Ministry initiates and supports projects that strengthen the position of the Polish diaspora in their local communities and countries of residence. It fosters and encourages the development of youth, scientific, cultural, economic and sporting contacts involving Poles and the Polish community abroad.

The Ministry reaches out to the Polish communities abroad to work together with the Polish authorities in building and consolidating a good image of Poland in the world and in promoting its history, legacy, and cultural heritage.“

How does Poland align its own environmental and climate policies with Monaco’s vision?

“Poland`s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) actions focus on the “5ps” in the 2030 Agenda (people, planet, prosperity, peace, partnership). 

Across the country, SDG action is supported by national strategies, with a formal procedure for concluding and adopting them. From an environmental perspective, the Country strives to improve the state of the environment and sustainable management of resources.

Under the planet cluster, improving air quality in Polish cities remains a priority (SDGs 3, 11). Objectives also include achieving high water quality (SDG 6); protecting the soil against degradation (SDG 15); reducing the impact of noise and electromagnetic fields on society (SDG 3); as well as increasing available water resources (SDG 6); the sustainable management of terrestrial resources (SDG 15); and ensuring efficient waste management (SDG 12).

Poland not only prioritises the achievement of individual goals, but also the interactions between them. To increase the effectiveness of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Country recognises the importance of education for sustainable development, effective monitoring systems, and policy coherence.

It also considers that more clarity is required as regards the role of different international and European institutions in the SDGs process along with streamlining their actions.”

Poland has a rich cultural heritage. How does your Consulate promote Polish culture and traditions in Monaco?

“Organizing economic, cultural and social public events and by participating actively in the diplomatic and consular life present in the Principality.

As Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, I have been authorised to exercise my functions in the Principality by the Sovereign Ordinance No. 10.514 of April 22nd, 2024. 

The last important event I organized on November 12th, 2024 was the economic conference “L’impact de la Liberté sur les conditions de croissance économique en Pologne et dans le Monde” on the occasion of the National Independence Day of 11th November anniversary.

Even before my official nomination, I have already organized public cultural events in Monaco concerning

Poland : 

2023, Mars 1st; Commemoration of General Władisław Anders birth’s 130th anniversary

2022, June 9th (formal opening evening) and June 20th and 22nd; Screening the film “Jack Strong”, in memory of the first semi-free Polish elections of June 4th, 1989

2021, October 1st; Commemoration of Saint John Paul II’s birth centenary”, at the Notre-Dame Immaculée Cathedral of Monaco.

2021, from October 2nd to October 31st; Exhibition «Karol Wojtyła, Naissances», realized by the Center of John Paul II’s Thought of Warsaw, at the Saint-Charles Church of Monaco”

Poland is known for its growing economy and it has a lot of small businesses, similar to Monaco. How does your Consulate facilitate business and trade relations between Poland and Monaco?

“As I have already answered in a previous question, in the field of promoting the development of economic cooperation, my task is to: act in favor of the activation of economic cooperation, trade and development of Polish exports, undertaking

activities aimed at creating conditions that favor them.

For this purpose it is important :

to establish contacts with bilateral or multilateral chambers of commerce and economy, those in which the Polish side and the Monaco’s one are founding subjects;

enable and facilitate the establishment of contacts between the interested Polish economic entities and companies operating in the Principality.”

Given Monaco’s status as a global financial hub, are there any particular areas of investment or economic collaboration that Poland is focusing on in its relationship with Monaco?

“All those which can lead to the development and growth of economic and financial relations between the two Countries.”

Could you speak to the current state of Poland – Monaco relations? What areas have shown the most growth over recent years?

“Relations between Monaco and Poland have always been good. The fact that now we have a Polish Consulate accredited to the Principality is an excellent situation to increase, accelerate and improve relationships and trades between these two Countries.

Poland is a country that has experienced an economic explosion in recent years ( + 5.3% growth in 2022 ). It joined the European Union in 2004, and in 2008, during the financial crisis, it was the only State that did not experience a recession in Europe. Economically, it’s a strong Country.

Poland’s GDP growth has been very dynamic over the last twenty years ( + 209% since 1990), although the Country has been strongly hit by inflation due to the war in Ukraine. But the ability to bounce back has never been denied and growth forecasts project an increase of + 4% in 2025. 

Finally, Poland benefits from its membership of the European Union (EU) and NATO, which guarantees security and stability.

Sectors of activity likely to promote trade between Poland and Monaco have already been identified such as yachting, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, banking and insurance, luxury tourism or new technologies.”

What have been the most unexpected or surprising aspects of working in Monaco as compared to other diplomatic postings you’ve held?

“I have never had consular assignments in other Countries. My only work experience in diplomacy was at the Italian Embassy in the Principality of Monaco in 2012 and 2013, first dealing with cultural events, and then at the Consular Office.

Monaco certainly facilitates and makes consular and diplomatic relations more effective and rapid, being a very organized, safe and efficient State.”

What was the experience you think of as the highlight of your career?

“I am at the beginning of my career, this being my first function as Honorary Consul. 

However, with the public events already organized here in the Principality, although different among them, I have always tried to make Poland shine in the Principality, and vice-versa, highlighting and remembering unique people in history, for example Saint John Paul II or General Anders.”

How do you see Poland’s influence growing in Monaco and the broader Mediterranean region over the next decade?

“I am very positive in general and so I am also on this aspect that you are asking me. 

It is obvious that the future world geopolitics will be able to help this accelerated growth and exchanges or not.

First of all, we have to remember that there already exists a memorandum of understanding between the two Chambers of Commerce (MC + PL), signed in 2010. 

A very important and successful recent event has been:

“ The Consulate of Poland in Monaco participates in an Economic Mission of the M.E.B. to Poland and to the signing of an agreement between the M.E.B. and the Polish Chamber of Commerce. ”

From September 29th to October 3rd, 2024, I participated to the economic mission in Warsaw, organized by the Monaco Economic Board (M.E.B.) in collaboration with the Embassy of Monaco in the Republic of Poland, as well as the Polish National Chamber of Commerce (K.I.G.). 

Several prominent Polish and Monegasque entrepreneurs were also present.

The objective of the event was to present the mutual investment and business opportunities between Monaco and Poland, as well as direct contacts between entrepreneurs. 

We note a great interest and an increase in bilateral relations between Poland and Monaco.

To further strengthen this cooperation, the K.I.G. and the M.E.B., in collaboration with the Embassy of Monaco in the Republic of Poland, with the support of the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in the Principality and that of Monaco in Poland, have signed an agreement through which the parties will support each other in the processes of internationalization of entrepreneurs, leading to broader cooperation and support for business activities between the two Countries. 

This trip allowed entrepreneurs from the Principality to multiply meetings and discover a Polish ecosystem, and vice-versa, that is very favorable to business.

Monegasque entrepreneurs have been able to note a great interest and an increase in bilateral relations between Poland and Monaco.”

Finally, what message would you like to convey to the people of Monaco about Poland’s values, culture, and its role in Europe and the world today?

“Since always I have greatly appreciated Poland and Poles for their strength, their courage and their deep civic sense. 

Characteristics that helped them to defend themselves from all invaders, to return to being a strong and unique Nation, and to have today one of the best economic growth and strengths.

The “Miracle of the Vistula” – August 16th/17th ,1920 – is a symbolic example of the courage and strength of the Poles, who did not stop in front of the Russian “giant”, and even managed to defeat it!

Being of Italian origin, I would like to point out how I have always been linked to Poland :

Queen Bona Sforza of Aragon (April 18th,1518 – April 1st 1548); 

the Apostolic Palace’s chapel of Castel Gandolfo is frescoed with paintings of the “Miracle of the Vistula”; 

in 1805, the Italian-Swiss architect Mr Vincenzo Brenna transformed part of the Wilanów Palace into a museum (one of the first public museums in Poland – commissioned by the owner at the time, Stanisław Kostka Potocki); 

Saint John Paul II, the first Polish and not Italian Pope ; etc.

Furthermore, I would like to remind that Poland in general, and even a big city like Warsaw, is very safe, clean, lively and full of energy, with wonderful sites and museums to visit. And these peculiarities remind me very much of our Principality.

Poland is known for its cities rich in history, culture and art, such as the graceful Krakow, the eclectic Warsaw, the proud Gdańsk, the welcoming Wroclaw, the lively Lublin, the majestic Poznań.

So, tourism in Poland is a wonderful adventure, not to be missed! I highly recommend it !

Historically:

In its centuries-old history, Poland – strategically located in the heart of the old continent – has been at the centre of the geopolitical dynamics and disputes of the great European empires.

In the eighteenth century, the Polish territory was the subject of successive partitions by the three great neighboring empires, Prussian, Austrian and Russian, which in 1795 led to the dismemberment of the pre-existing Polish State.

Poland re-emerged as an autonomous State entity in 1918, in the aftermath of the First World War, when it effectively became a buffer state, strategically located between Germany and Russia.

In September 1939, the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany was the act that triggered the Second World War, at the end of which the Polish territory – after having been divided again between Berlin and Moscow – took on its present borders.

During the Cold War period, the Country was governed by a socialist regime close to the USSR, just like other countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

In the eighties, a wave of demonstrations for reforms began mainly in Poland, which led, in the following decade, to the implosion of the socialist bloc, and then to the dismantling of the Soviet Union itself.

At the heart of this great popular movement was the trade union “Solidarność”, which managed to mobilize civil society under the leadership of Mr Lech Wałęsa.

In 1990, Mr Wałęsa became the first president of post-communist Poland.

During the nineties, Warsaw engaged in a profound process of political and economic reforms: the recognition of this path was concretized in the admission of Poland to NATO in 1999, then to the European Union (EU) in 2004. 

Poland is a decisive theatre of twentieth-century history and, between August 1920 in Warsaw and 1980 in Gdansk, the parable of communism in Europe is consumed.

In conclusion:

The values I wish generally to convey are those of peace, tolerance and harmony; whatever the subjects and people involved. 

As I have stated before, I adopt the greatest transparency in all my activities : what I look for is a moral greatness, not material.”