Montenegro cherishes religious tolerance, PM Lukšić and Chief Rabbi of Israel Metzger agree

Podgorica, Montenegro (14 September 2011) – Prime Minister Igor Lukšić met today with Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger with whom he discussed the development of cooperation with the Jewish community of Montenegro in various areas.

Prime Minister Lukšić said that Montenegro is a state that cherishes religious tolerance, respect and diversity and shares the highest civilisational values in this area. In that respect he expressed his support for building closer relations with the Jewish community, which, although small, as he said, is very important for the overall development of the Montenegrin society.

Chief Rabbi Metzger expressed his deep respect for the people of Montenegro, who, in his words, have been very helpful to the Jews in the past, especially during the Second World War.

The Chief Rabbi highlighted his interest in the enhancement of the Jewish community’s role in Montenegro, underlining that they wish to build friendly and business ties with the people of Montenegro. Both sides agreed that close cooperation with the Jewish community in Montenegro is very important for the exercise of religious rights, but also for building economic, cultural or other cooperation in the best interest of both peoples.