The Municipality of Nikšić donated 100.000 euros to the Islamic Community

Cooperation with religious communities represents an important segment of the overall social development of Nikšić, announced the mayor of the municipality, Marko Kovačević.

He said this after signing a donation contract with the president of the Islamic Community Council in Podgorica, Refika Tuzović.

Kovačević pointed out that this donation, worth 100 thousand euros, which will be awarded in the amount of 20 thousand euros over the next five years, demonstrates the continued commitment of the local administration to helping all religious communities in Nikšić.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the religious life of all citizens. This is a nice message that in the days when we celebrate Saint Basil of Ostrog, we are signing this significant donation in the spirit of unity of all citizens. I congratulate the imam on everything he does and on the mission he carries out. You know that Nikšić won the title of European Capital of Culture and in that sense, and in terms of valorizing tourism potential, the Islamic Community will mean a lot to us. Cooperation with religious communities represents an important segment of the overall social development of our city. I am convinced that in the coming period we will continue to build relationships based on respect and joint work in the interests of all citizens of Nikšić," Kovačević emphasized.

Tuzović expressed great gratitude to Kovačević for the donation.

"This donation is of great importance for the maintenance of the mosque and what lies ahead in the future. I look forward to such a nice cooperation with the local administration," she said.

Imam Damir Hodžić expressed his satisfaction that, despite these allocated financial resources, the Municipality of Nikšić stood by the small Islamic Community.

"This is a big step, which will lead to a better and more beautiful future. The Mayor is the first to initiate that certain funds from the budget be allocated to the Islamic Community, and this information has caused enthusiasm among us. My goal as an imam is to proudly present Nikšić as a multinational and multi-religious city, which inherits diversity, thereby developing unity. I am glad that such is the attitude towards the Catholic Church, because it enables true unity," emphasized Hodžić.

The President of the Mosque Board, Mirsad Agović, said that cooperation with this local government is exceptional and that he does not remember a donation of this type in previous periods.

The signing was also attended by the Vice President of the Municipality Zoran Tomić, the Secretary for Culture and Media Radisav Marojević, the Chief of Staff of the President Marko Perućica, and the Advisor for Culture, Tourism and Religious Affairs Miljan Mijušković.