Macron visited the Cetinje Monastery, Joanikije gave him a replica of the "Podgorica Cup"

French President Emmanuel Macron, together with his Montenegrin counterpart Jakov Milatović, visited the Cetinje Monastery and Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral (MCP) announced.

At the Cetinje Monastery, as the MCP adds, the distinguished guests were welcomed by His Eminence Metropolitan Joanikije, who introduced the French president and his delegation to, as they state, the rich and glorious history of the Cetinje Monastery and the sacred relics kept there.

"A reception was held for the distinguished guests in the premises of the Metropolitanate, during which many current topics were discussed in a pleasant and cordial atmosphere. President Macron informed Metropolitan Joanikije about the reasons for his visit to Montenegro, as well as the perspectives and opportunities that open up for Montenegro within the framework of membership in the European Union," the statement said.

Joanikije welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of President Macron's visit to Montenegro.

"He spoke about the mission, cultural and spiritual activities of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral in Montenegro, as well as the centuries-old efforts of the Serbian Orthodox Church to preserve and build Christian and cultural heritage in this region," it states.

The MCP said that the meeting was an opportunity for the interlocutors to remind each other of the unbreakable and strong ties between our peoples in the past.

"Friendship and alliance in the First and Second World Wars remain a solid foundation on which to build the future of these relations. The Metropolitan also recalled that many of our rulers, military leaders, writers and clergymen were educated at famous French universities," the statement reads.

Joanikije expressed his belief that Montenegro has something to offer to contemporary Europe in the cultural and spiritual aspects.

"The struggle for freedom, honor and dignity, as well as the Christian willingness to sacrifice, have adorned this freedom-loving people. Without these universal and eternal values, no people and no state would have any deeper meaning," said Joanikije.

"At the end of the friendly and sincere conversation, President Macron thanked the host for the warm welcome and the nice conversation, and Metropolitan Joanikije presented the President of France, as a memento of this visit, with a replica of the early Christian discus, known as the 'Podgorica Cup', a relic that was found at the site of Duklja, and which is today kept in the famous Hermitage Museum," the MCP statement concluded.