Pope Benedict XVI receives Prime Minister Igor Lukšić

The Vatican (24 June 2011) – Pope Benedict XVI received Prime Minister Igor Lukšić during his first official visit to the Vatican, for talks on bilateral relations and future cooperation. During his visit to the Vatican, Prime Minister Igor Lukšić signed the Fundamental Agreement with the Holy See.

Prime Minister Lukšić thanked His Holiness for the continued support of the Holy See to Montenegro, underlining that the foundations of the excellent relations between the two are anchored in the universal spiritual and moral values. The Pope complimented Montenegro’s commitment to the tenets underlying modern European societies and pledged full support to the Government in the cherishing them.

Prime Minister Lukšić emphasised that Montenegro attributes immense importance to the support of the Holy Father and the Holy See, having in mind their lasting affection for Montenegro and their vast international repute and influence.

The Prime Minister also spoke with the Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Secretary for Relations with States Dominique Mamberti, with whom he agreed that Montenegro and the Holy See share common principles and fundamental values of peace, social justice, respect for freedoms and rights of man and religious and cultural dialogue.

Cardinal Bertone underlined that Montenegro’s policy is a good examples for the region, adding that its ambition to join the EU is only natural given Montenegro’s European legacy and tradition.

During his stay in the Vatican, Prime Minister Lukšić signed the Fundamental Agreement between Montenegro and the Holy See which confirms the centuries-long continuity of relations between Montenegro and the Apostolic See.