Minister Bogdanović in Rome: Icon of Virgin Philermose is important link between Montenegro and Sovereign Order of Malta

During his two-day visit to the Sovereign Maltese Order and the Holy See, Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanović met earlier today with Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta Albrecht Freiher Buzelager.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Montenegro to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta Miodrag Vlahović, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Montenegro Enriko Tuccillo, Ambassador Leoncini Bartoli and Ambassador Zanardi-Landi.

At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Bogdanović handed the Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković’s letter to the Grand Chancellor Buzelager.

Minister Bogdanović expressed his special appreciation for the humanitarian assistance the Sovereign Order of Malta has offered to Montenegro and pointed out that Montenegro appreciates the efforts in this field, especially the offer for providing expert assistance to the country’s medical experts.

Both sides voiced satisfaction with the quality of bilateral relations, emphasising that the two sides see space for closer cooperation in the field of culture.

Minister Bogdanović stressed the importance the Icon of the Virgin Philermosa has for the relations of Montenegro and the Sovereign Order of Malta. He added that Montenegro is considering creating conditions for an adequate exposure of this protected cultural property in order for the unique icon to receive protection and presentation corresponding to its value and historical significance.

Grand Chancellor Buzelager voiced interest in the issue, expressing his full agreement on the need for continuity of cooperation between Montenegro and the Sovereign Order of Malta. He also underlined that the Sovereign Order of Malta will help Montenegro find the best experts in conservation, who, in cooperation with our experts, would work to protect and provide optimal conditions for the preservation and display of the Icon of the Virgin of Philermosa.

During his stay in Rome, Minister Bogdanovic also visited the community of Sant'Egidio. Meeting with the Secretary-General of the Community Cesare Zucconi discussed establishing stronger cooperation in the field of culture and considered possibility for the design of a special exhibition of the Maritime Museum, which would be presented in Rome, in cooperation with Montenegro and the Community of Sant’Egidio.

A proposal for the signing of a memorandum was also discussed in order to define the framework and mechanisms of cooperation in this area. Minister Bogdanović emphasised that the Ministry of Culture is interested in strengthening friendly relations and invited Mr Zucconi to give join forces in providing additional impetus to the development of cooperation.

MINISTRY OF CULTURE