On Monday, February 13, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco arrived in Mali to begin his official state visit to the African country.  Upon his arrival the sovereign prince was greeted by Amadou Toumani Touré, the President of the Republic of Mali, Ms. Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé, the Prime Minister, and Dioncounda Traoré, President of the National Assembly.

The purpose of the visit is to “… strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries…” specifically in the areas of mining, tourism, and fruit processing.

During his two-day tour of Mali, Prince Albert II will visit the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Control Centre, the Yeleen School and Olympic Sports Centre and the Charles Mérieux Centre, structures co-funded by the Monégasque Office of International Cooperation. The prince will also officially inaugurate the Honorary Consulate of Monaco in Mali.

Sources: Palais Princier de Monaco and Journal du Mali

Photo courtesy of Journal du Mali