The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, together with his host, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, visited the Cetinje Monastery, where they were welcomed by the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Joanikije.
The Metropolitan introduced the French president and his delegation to the rich and glorious history of the Cetinje Monastery and the sanctuaries kept within it.
“A reception was organized for the distinguished guests in the premises of the Metropolis, during which many current topics were discussed in a pleasant and cordial atmosphere. President Macron introduced Metropolitan Joanikije to the reasons for his visit to Montenegro, as well as the perspectives and opportunities opening up before Montenegro within the framework of European Union membership,” the Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church announced.
Metropolitan Joanikije, it is stated, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of President Macron’s visit to Montenegro. He spoke about the mission, cultural, and spiritual activity of the Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral in Montenegro, as well as the centuries-long care of the Serbian Orthodox Church in preserving and building the Christian and cultural heritage in these areas.
“This meeting was an opportunity for the interlocutors to recall the indissoluble and strong ties of the peoples in the past. Friendship and alliance in the First and Second World War remain as a solid foundation upon which the future of relations should be built. The Metropolitan also reminded that many rulers, military commanders, writers, and clergymen were educated at French universities,” the statement reads.
Speaking about his glorious predecessors, Metropolitan Joanikije, it is pointed out, expressed his belief that Montenegro, in a cultural and spiritual sense, has something to offer to modern Europe.
“The struggle for freedom, honor, and dignity, as well as the Christian willingness to sacrifice, adorned this libertarian people. Without these universal and eternal values, no nation and no state would have a deeper meaning,” the statement says.
It is added that at the end of the conversation, President Macron thanked the hosts for the cordial welcome and beautiful conversation, and Metropolitan Joanikije presented the President of France with a gift in memory of the visit – a replica of an early Christian paten, known as the “Podgorica Cup”, a relic found at the Duklja site, which is today kept in the Hermitage Museum.
Macron arrived yesterday for his first official visit to Montenegro, and today he will participate in the European Union – Western Balkans summit in Tivat.
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Source: Telegraf; Photo: ATA Images, AP