Ireland's Ambassador to France Anne Anderson yesterday presented her credentials to Prince Albert II at the Royal Palace in Monte Carlo as non-resident Ambassador to Monaco.
Businessman Michael Smurfit continues as Ireland's Honorary Consul.
The small Mediterranean principality did not previously have full diplomatic relations with other countries but this changed under the terms of a treaty with France, concluded in 2002, which has recently been ratified.
Ireland has long and friendly relations with Monaco and the Government decided that this country should be one of the first to appoint an ambassador.
It is common practice for Irish ambassadors to have secondary, non-resident accreditations to other states. The principality is a constitutional monarchy.