Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović pays official visit to the Holy See

Earlier today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović paid an official visit to the Holy See, where he met with Pope Francis, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and Monsignor Paul Richard Galager, Secretary for Relations with States, respectively.

During his meeting with Pope Francis, Minister Darmanović emphasised that Montenegro highly appreciates the spiritual and moral reputation of the Holy See and its active and constructive role in resolving global political, economic, environmental and other issues. He commended the Pope Francis efforts towards establishing peace, justice and equality among peoples, strengthening the role of the family and the rule of law, his fight against terrorism, corruption and organised crime, as well as his activities in assisting underdeveloped countries and the poor.

Minister Darmanović and State Secretary Parolin welcomed bilateral relations between Montenegro and the Holy See, which are characterised by the absence of outstanding issues and intense political dialogue at the highest level.

Minister Darmanović handed over to the Secretary of State a letter from the Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković, inviting him to visit Montenegro, which he accepted with pleasure.

The meeting also discussed the necessity of consistently respecting traditional social values and diversity, as well as intensifying ecumenical dialogue.

Minister Darmanović and Paul Richard Galager, Secretary of State for Relations with State of the Holy See, welcomed the initiative to open the Resident Representative Office of the Holy See in Montenegro, noting that this would further improve bilateral relations at all levels.

Two sides also stressed that the implementation of the Basic Agreement between Montenegro and the Holy See forms a solid basis for further deepening and strengthening of the traditionally good and friendly relations between the two countries.

The two officials also exchanged views on the mechanisms of further enhancing cooperation in areas of common interest - culture, archivistics and religious tourism.