From left to right: Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, He Youlin, Marie-Pascale Boisson and Lara Terlizzi-Enza during the first-day cancellation ceremony © MCI – Monaco China International Association
On 15 October 2025, the launch ceremony of the first joint stamp issue between the Principality of Monaco and the People’s Republic of China was held at the Museum of Stamps and Coins of Monaco, marked by a symbolic first-day cancellation celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The event was attended by H.E. Mrs. Marie-Pascale Boisson, Ambassador of Monaco to China; H.E. Mr. He Youlin, Consul General of China in Marseille, representing H.E. Mr. Deng Li, Ambassador of China to France and Monaco; and Mrs. Lara Terlizzi-Enza, Director of the Monaco Office of Stamp Issues (OETP), along with other representatives of the Princely Government and distinguished guests from both Monaco and China.
In an atmosphere both solemn and warmly convivial, H.E. Mrs. Marie-Pascale Boisson and H.E. Mr. He Youlin performed the special first-day cancellation, before sharing with the guests a moment of friendship and celebration marked by the cutting of the commemorative cake.
Left: the FDC (First Day Cover) pair and the sheet of four pairs of postage stamps; right: the commemorative cake celebrating the 30th anniversary of China–Monaco diplomatic relations © MCI – Monaco China International Association
The Monaco China International Association (MCI) had the honor of attending the ceremony alongside Monégasque and Chinese representatives, bearing witness —through the art of philately — to the flourishing of a sincere friendship and a profound cultural dialogue between the Principality and China, two nations united by beauty, mutual respect, and a shared pursuit of harmony.
In her address, H.E. Mrs. Marie-Pascale Boisson recalled that “it was at the initiative of Prince Rainier III that, on January 16, 1995, diplomatic relations between China and Monaco were first established.”
She also commended the remarkable progress achieved over the past three decades, emphasizing that reciprocal visits by Heads of State and sustained cultural exchanges have continued to infuse lasting vitality into the bilateral relationship.
H.E. Mrs. Marie-Pascale Boisson, Ambassador of Monaco to China, delivering her address at the Monaco–China joint stamp issuance ceremony © MCI – Monaco China International Association
H.E. Mr. He Youlin, expressing his pleasure at making his first official visit to the Principality, emphasized “China’s commitment to further advancing bilateral relations between China and Monaco,” while noting that the floral motif of the two stamps reflects shared values of environmental protection and sustainable development, symbolizing the deep friendship between the two peoples.
H.E. Mr. He Youlin, Consul General of China in Marseille, delivering his address at the joint stamp issuance ceremony ©MCI – Monaco China International Association
Ms. Lara Terlizzi-Enza highlighted that “in the world of philately, joint stamp issues hold a special significance. They are a theme highly appreciated by collectors, but above all, they stand as a powerful symbol affirming the bonds between two nations.”
From left to right: Eva Tang, Chinese guest; Patrizia Güttly and Xintao Li, representatives of the Monaco China International Association (MCI); surrounding Lara Terlizzi-Enza, Director of the Monaco Office of Stamps, at the center © MCI – Monaco China International Association
A true collaborative achievement
This joint stamp issue, the result of a year-long collaboration between the teams of the Monaco Office of Stamps and China Post, embodies an exemplary artistic and diplomatic dialogue while further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Under the coordination of the Embassy of Monaco in China and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, both institutions jointly oversaw every step of the creative process — from selecting the theme, artist, and design to approving the final works.
Two Flowers, One Friendship, One Shared Environmental Vision
The choice of theme was guided by a shared concern for environmental protection. As Ms. Terlizzi-Enza explained: “It felt only natural to express our shared commitments through floral motifs.”
The two stamps depict Monaco’s symbolic campanula and China’s Cymbidium orchid—emblematic of modesty and moral virtue according to Confucius —representing mutual respect between the nations and harmony between humankind and nature, under ashared vision of beauty, balance, and sustainability.
Monaco version of the joint issue: On the left, the campanula representing Monaco; on the right, the Cymbidium orchid representing China © OETP – Office des Émissions de Timbres-Poste
The First Monegasque Stamp Signed by a Chinese Artist
Created by Ms. Yan Ping, artist and professor at Renmin University of China, the work stands out for its bold composition, vibrant colors, and expressive, free-flowing brushstrokes. The result is a poetic fusion of tradition and modernity.
It is the first time a Chinese artist has signed a Monegasque stamp —a symbolic milestone in the artistic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
Through this creation, the artist conveys the principle of harmony between the soul and nature, a core value of Chinese painting, while blending the geometric precision of Monaco’s campanula with the calligraphic fluidity of Chinese Cymbidium orchids.
Print Runs of Different Scales
While identical in design, the two editions differ in scale. The Monegasque stamps, printed in 55,000 copies, are marked by their rarity, while China Post produced 4.5million, reflecting the vastness of the Chinese philatelic market.
Practical Information
The Monaco edition of the stamps is available at the Museum of Stamps and Coins andat the Office des Timbres (Espace Honoré II, Hall B), as well as on the official website: www.oetp-monaco.com
In China, the edition issued by China Post incorporates an innovative digital feature: through AR technology, collectors can experience the stamps from an artistic and interactive perspective — a symbol of dialogue between tradition and modernity.
Both the physical and digital versions are available on the official website of the National Philatelic Boutique: https://jiyou.11185.cn
Chinese edition of the joint issue: On the left, the Cymbidium orchid representing China; on the right, the campanula representing Monaco © China Post