In a distinguished ceremony held on Thursday evening, June 6, 2024, entrepreneur and investor Roberto de Silvestri, an active figure in Estonian real estate and finance, was appointed Honorary Consul of Estonia in the Principality of Monaco.
Roberto de Silvestri expressed his commitment to strengthening the relations between Estonia and Monaco, assisting with consular services, and fostering business connections between companies in both countries.
“Monaco, though home to only about 40,000 permanent residents, significantly contributes to the Estonian economy through investments. The Estonian community in Monaco has grown, and the destination is increasingly popular among Estonian tourists due to excellent flight connections to the French Riviera,” de Silvestri explained.
“The role of an Honorary Consul is of great importance for Estonia. An Honorary Consul fosters business and cultural connections between two countries and strengthens communities,” emphasized Lembit Uibo, Estonia’s Ambassador to France and Monaco. According to the Ambassador, there are numerous opportunities to advance bilateral relations between Monaco and Estonia. “Roberto de Silvestri is the right person for this task, given his unique experience and extensive knowledge of both countries,” confirmed Ambassador Lembit Uibo.
Ceremonial appointment of Honorary Consul in Monaco
The ceremony, attended by over 200 guests including representatives from both countries, entrepreneurs, and other prominent citizens, took place in the iconic Monte Carlo Casino square.
Estonian dignitaries present included Mariin Ratnik, Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Estonian Ambassador to France and Monaco Lembit Uibo.
Monaco’s representatives included Julie Donati, Advisor to the Cabinet of H.S.H. the Prince, Marc Lecourt, President of the Association of Honorary Consuls of Monaco, Marie-Catherine Ravéra-Caruso, Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations of the Department of External Relations and Cooperation of Monaco, as well as Colonel Thierry Jouan, secretary of the Association of Honorary Consuls of Monaco and other notable figures and honorary consuls.
See also the photos of the ceremonial appointment of the honorary consul of Estonia!
Author of photos: Sebastien Darrasse
Great potential for promoting relations between Estonia and Monaco
Roberto de Silvestri sees substantial potential in enhancing relations between Estonia and Monaco. “Estonia, like Monaco, is small but leads Europe in digital innovation. Estonia can aid Monaco in digitizing various state services, such as healthcare. Monaco, with its prominent investors, is a key economic partner for Estonia. Strengthening diplomatic ties and increasing Estonia’s visibility in the Baltic region is crucial in the current geopolitical climate,” emphasized de Silvestri.
Residing in Monaco since 1995 and having first visited Estonia in 1998, Roberto de Silvestri has been an entrepreneur, investor, and investment broker in Estonia since 2002. Through his real estate company Colonna, over 400 million euros have been invested in the Baltic real estate market, largely from Monaco investors. He is also a founding investor in the successful Estonian financial institution Inbank.
Roberto de Silvestri is also notable for his charitable efforts. In 2018, he established the Colonna Charity Fund, which has supported numerous healthcare initiatives in Estonia, aiding maternity wards and county hospital doctors in providing vital care to children.
Role of Honorary Consuls
Estonia’s network of nearly 200 honorary consuls plays a crucial role in representing the country globally. These respected individuals assist with consular services, provide help to Estonian citizens abroad, and promote economic relations by facilitating essential contacts for Estonian entrepreneurs. Honorary consuls do not receive remuneration from the Estonian state for their duties.
The Estonian honorary consulate in Monaco, established in 2005, was previously led by Count Mauno Serra until 2024. Roberto de Silvestri is the second to hold this position. The consulate operates at Château Perigord 1, 98000 Monaco.
Monaco, located on the Mediterranean coast of the French Riviera, is the world’s second smallest city-state after Vatican City. With about 40,000 residents in an area of approximately 2 square kilometers, it is the most densely populated country. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, headed by Prince Albert II, who, along with the Minister of State, holds executive power. Estonia and Monaco established diplomatic relations on February 7, 2008.
Prince Albert II has visited Estonia three times, in February 2008 and June 2011, and previously as crown prince in autumn 2002 for the Monaco football team’s participation in the All-Star Game in Tallinn.