28 October 2018 - During an official visit to Baku, Montenegrin Culture Minister Aleksandar Bogdanović had a meeting with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Abulfaz Garayev.
The main goal of the meeting between Bogdanović and Garayev was the discussion on the models of cooperation between the two countries. On this occasion, the ministers estimated that the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation signed between Montenegro and Azerbaijan makes a good basis for the realization of joint projects, both in contemporary creativity and in the cultural heritage. Minister Bogdanović introduced the incentives offered by Montenegro in the field of cinema to Minister Garayev, and pointed out that significant area of cooperation is recognised in this field. Bogdanović also highlighted that Montenegro is ready to provide all the necessary conditions for film producers from Azerbaijan to record films in attractive locations in Montenegro.
At the meeting, Minister Bogdanović presented the programme of development of creative industries initiated by the Ministry of Culture. As Minister Garayev pointed out, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan will provide the participation of artists and creators from Azerbaijan in artistic residency projects in Montenegro.
The meeting discussed the cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, having in mind that Montenegro is interested in the candidacy of Ćilim from Bihor to the UNESCO’s Best Practice List. Considering that Baku has a Carpet Museum, Minister Bogdanović stressed that Montenegro finds the exchange of experiences in this area extremely important since the tradition of Azerbaijan’s Carpet is registered on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The possibility of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, which is based on the promotion of cultural tourism, was also discussed with the aim to point out the cultural and historical connection of the participating countries.
Within his participation in the Ìnternational Humanitarian Forum, Minister Bogdanović also spoke with Rastislav Vrbenski, Deputy Director of UNDP for Europe and Central Asia.
The meeting discussed the possibilities of UNDP participation in the realisation of activities from the programme "Creative Montenegro".
It was also emphasised that the Ministry of Culture has excellent cooperation with the UNDP Mission in Montenegro, which participates in several projects on the protection and restoration of Montenegro’s cultural heritage. As Minister Bogdanović highlighted, cooperation with this international organisation can also be realised in the field of valorisation of cultural goods, especially considering that their economic and tourist valorisation is one of the top priorities in the work of the Ministry.
