Relations between the two countries date back to the reigns of Prince Charles III of Monaco and Tsar Alexander II of Russia.

During this period the two nations signed numerous treaties and agreements, including the extradition of criminals, mutual legal assistance, recognition of the civil status of people and for medical aid.

After the establishment of the Order of Saint-Charles in Monaco in 1858, Tsar Alexander II became the first member of a royal family to be bestowed the Monegasque award.

[6][8] The current Ambassador of Monaco to Russia is Claude Giordan, with residence in Berlin, who presented his credentials to Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Titov in Moscow on 12 June 2009.

[11] Whilst in Tuva, the two leaders visited the Por-Bazhyn fortress where an archaeological dig was underway, and went on a rafting and fishing trip on the Yenisei River.

[10] During the trip, Albert was presented with two Baikal seals from Alexander Tishanin, the Governor of Irkutsk Oblast, which were later placed in a home at Monaco's Oceanographic Museum.