Ministers Bogdanović, Riester: New initiatives for cultural cooperation between Montenegro and France

Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanović is paying an official visit to the Republic of France, where he met with French Minister of Culture Franck Riester.

The two ministers discussed the cooperation projects that are being implemented on the basis of the already signed Agreement on cooperation in the field of culture, as well as on new exchange initiatives.

Furthermore, they discussed the intensification of cooperation and exchange of programmes and artists in the fields of music and theater, visual arts, as well as the possibilities for translating Montenegrin literature into French and French into Montenegrin.

"A special focus of our future cooperation will be on creative industries. In order to develop this area, Montenegro is developing creative hubs that will be a synergy of art and entrepreneurship, both of domestic and foreign artists," Minister Bogdanović said, adding that the French experience will be of great importance to us.

The ministers also discussed the exchange of good practices and experiences in the field of cultural heritage protection, project development and exchange of programmes between libraries, museums, archives and cinemas.

Bearing in mind the many years of friendly relations and cooperation between Montenegro and the Republic of France, as well as the fact that the building of the former French mission was located in Cetinje, two ministers discussed the possibility of joint restoration of this facility.

Minister Bogdanović informed Minister Riester about the activities that are being implemented in Montenegro in order to transfer the remains of members of the Petrović Njegoš dynasty to Montenegro in the near future, and pointed out that the support of the Ministry of Culture and other relevant institutions of the Republic of France will be of particular importance in the transfer of the remains of Mihailo Petrović Njegoš, buried in Paris.

Minister Riester pointed out that the Republic of France appreciates the importance this initiative has for Montenegro and its last ruling Petrović Njegoš dynasty and stated that they would provide all the necessary assistance.

Minister Bogdanović expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations between the Republic of France and Montenegro in all areas and expressed the gratitude for the continued support that France provides to Montenegro on its path to full membership in the European Union.

Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Montenegro in France Zdenka Radulović and President of the Association of Artists of Montenegro Igor Rakčević also attended the meeting.