Minister Darmanović takes part in first Ministerial Conference to Advance Religious Freedom in Washington

Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participated in the first Ministerial Conference to Advance Religious Freedom, organised in Washington on the initiative of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and opened by US Vice President Michael Pence.

During his address, Minister Darmanović emphasised that the principle of respecting the freedom of religion is one of the fundamental values of democratic political communities.

"At the time when, in the name of religion, human dignity is being violated in different ways in countries around the world, it is necessary to constantly emphasise the importance of respecting and protecting religious freedoms, as the basic values of every modern society," Minister Darmanović said.

He pointed out that, given that the ideology of religion is one of the key causes of the development of violent extremism and terrorism, it is necessary to intensify the cooperation of all stakeholders including religious communities in order to suppress them.

The Minister also reiterated Montenegro's commitment to international obligations in the area of protection and promotion of the freedom of religion or belief.

Minister Darmanović said that support to the promotion of the freedom of religion is one of Montenegro's international activities, especially bearing in mind the level of development of the normative order and legal guarantees of human rights and freedoms in Montenegro, and further priority engagement on their consistent application.

He expressed belief that there is room for further improvement, adding that Montenegro is working on the new Law on Religious Rights and Freedoms that will further strengthen and protect the full freedom of religion in our country.

The conference brought together foreign ministers, other senior officials, representatives of international organisations, religious leaders and representatives of civil society from over 80 countries.