The President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Ivan Brajović, was received by the Grand Chancellor, Albrecht Boeselager, in the Magistral Palace on 27 March.
During the talks, various foreign policy issues were discussed, ranging from the situation in the Balkans to the integration of Montenegro in the European Union after its recent accession to the Atlantic Alliance, as well as the economic effects and political implications of the so-called Silk Road that also crosses Montenegro.
Afterwards, the subject was raised of the protection, restoration and promotion of the icon of Our Lady of Philermos, housed in Cetinje, Montenegro. Both parties confirmed their intention to agree on a solution that ensures the best preservation for the work. The icon, which on Rhodes was kept on Mount Philermos (hence its name), and which tradition says was painted by Saint Luke himself, is a symbol of the Order’s intense Marian spirituality.