During his visit to the Holy See, the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Mr Ivan Brajović, met at the Apostolic Palace with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as well as with the Secretary for Relations with States, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher.
In separate meetings, the most covered topics were those of the importance of the opening of the Apostolic Nunciature in Montenegro, the situation in the region, legal treatment of issue of freedom of religion, and the enabling of access to the Vatican archives.
In this sense, President Brajović said that the insight into the Vatican archive's available material, as well as the planned opening of the diplomatic mission of the Vatican City in Podgorica, are important steps toward the strengthening of relations of our country and the Holy See in all its aspects: political, historical, scientific, cultural and others.
President Brajović and Cardinal Parolin assessed the relations of the two countries as excellent, which has been particularly influenced by the intensive exchange of visits at the highest level. It was also pointed out that the Law on Freedom of Religion should reflect the spirit of the Montenegrin Constitution in order to ensure in that segment as well, in a quality manner, the protection of the freedom of an individual.
The importance of preserving and improving dialogue, tolerance and cooperation, as a tradition and a historical value nurtured by contemporary Montenegro, was also emphasised in a conversation with the Secretary for Relations with States, Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher. Regional stability and the preservation of good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans make this region closer to the European Union and its values – it was concluded among other things at this meeting. President Brajović stressed the importance of opening the Vatican archives for Montenegrin researchers, which will provide for our historical heritage to be made more familiar and to be further enriched.
During the conversation with the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Mr Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, the expectation was expressed that the new Ambassador in Montenegro would contribute to the successful implementation of projects of mutual interest. The President of the Parliament expressed his gratitude for the efforts made so far by the Order of Malta with the aim to protect and promote the icon of the Holy Virgin of Philerme, which has been one of the priorities in the upcoming period as well.
VIDEO: Vatican City and the Order of Malta – video coverage
VIDEO: Statement of the President Brajović
