[1] A friendship treaty signed in 2002 reads:[2] The French Republic assures the Principality of Monaco of the defence of its independence and sovereignty and guarantees the integrity of Monegasque territory under the same conditions as its own.

Following rule by Spain, in the early 1600s Monaco prospered again under Honoré II who strengthened ties with France, a relationship that lasted in this capacity for the next two hundred years.

In the Treaty of 2 February (1861) Prince Charles III ceded Monegasque sovereignty over the towns of Menton and Roquebrune (now Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) in exchange for full independence from France.

[5] This relationship continues to the present day with the French government taking responsibility for Monaco's defence, while the latter has only a small police force and palace guard.

It was finally ratified in 2005 with new terms that: upgraded France's representation from a consulate to that of an embassy; permitted other countries to accredit ambassadors to Monaco; and, formally recognised Monaco's ruling Grimaldi dynasty's succession scheme that was initially set out in the 1962 constitution,[5] and which also extended eligibility to the ruling prince's daughters and other family members.

It also signed an agreement with Monaco in regards to the application of EU legislation on pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products and medical devices that was enacted on 1 May 2004.

[1] Monaco is fully integrated into a customs union with France, which also enables participation in the EU market system.