Andorra's PM Espot Visits Monaco to Mark 30 Years of Diplomatic Ties and Strengthen Cooperation

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, and Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor visited Monaco on Thursday to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two principalities. The trip marked Espot's first official visit to the microstate.

The delegation was received in audience by Prince Albert II at the Prince's Palace. They also held working meetings with Monaco's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties through a protocol of friendship and general cooperation, along with a roadmap for joint projects in key areas including the economy, tourism, health, sport, youth, innovation, and coordination on European matters.

On the economic front, delegations highlighted opportunities from the double taxation avoidance agreement, in force since July 2023, to boost mutual investments and business exchanges. Espot addressed MonacoTech entrepreneurs, joined by a representative from Andorra Business, emphasising Andorra's economic transformation towards openness, diversification, and innovation. He pointed to the country's integration into bodies like the IMF, its internationally recognised tax framework, over 17,000 registered companies, and a projected 2.6% growth rate from the IMF. Espot also noted Andorra's EU association agreement as a gateway to new sectors.

Tourism talks addressed responsible management models, given Andorra's forecast of 9 million visitors in 2025 and Monaco's 348,258 international tourists in 2024. Both sides agreed to enhance links between their tourism agencies for strategy sharing.

In health, they reaffirmed existing cooperation, including training placements for Andorran nursing students at Princess Grace Hospital, and committed to technical collaboration on hospital expansion projects. Discussions also covered international affairs, multilateralism among small states, development cooperation, and Monaco's upcoming presidency of the Council of Ministers of Europe from May to November 2026. Espot congratulated Mirmand on the role.

During the visit, Espot greeted Andorra's under-12 rugby team competing in the 14th Sainte-Dévote Tournament at Stade Louis-II, organised by the Monaco Rugby Federation and Princess Charlene Foundation. Espot and Tor were scheduled to attend the Rose Ball, a charitable event, later in the stay.