As part of an official visit to Slovenia, a delegation from the Ministry of Diaspora of Montenegro, led by Minister Mirsad Azemović, visited Academia Institute of Technology in Maribor. The Minister was accompanied by State Secretary Adel Omeragić, adviser Mihailo Pavićević, and representative of the Embassy of Montenegro in Ljubljana Miloš Vučinić. The visit took place in cooperation with the Montenegrin Cultural Association "Komovi" from Maribor.
In the introductory part of the visit, the delegation met with the Executive Director of Academia, Žan Dapčević, and the President of the "Komovi" Association, Vildan Ramusović. The Director of Academia presented to the guests the model of short-cycle professional education that Academia successfully implements in Slovenia.
At the same time, he presented the successful cooperation with the University of Montenegro in the field of the Erasmus+ mobility project and presented the findings of the recently completed European project on the introduction of dual studies in Montenegro, DUALMON, which resulted in the introduction of pilot dual higher education programmes and amendments to higher education legislation in Montenegro for the systematic integration of dual studies in Montenegro.
The Director expressed a clear intention to cooperate even more closely with Montenegrin partners in the future, particularly in the areas of linking education with the labour market, developing practical skills and training professional staff using modern pedagogical methods.
Following the official meeting, a special evening with the Montenegrin diaspora was held at Academia's premises, organised by the "Komovi" Association. The evening opened with an emotional musical performance of the song "Još ne sviće rujna zora" performed by young artists Amir and Filip. The event was an opportunity to present the Association's activities, exchange experiences and hold an open dialogue about the challenges and opportunities of the Montenegrin community in Slovenia.
Among other things, the President of the Association, Ramusović, presented the Diaspora Register and the importance of formal registration of emigrants, whilst the Secretary of the Association, Nora Pavićević, looked back at the Association's numerous past activities, such as the traditional picnic, the podcast Đe si, zemljače!?, and important meetings with diplomatic representatives and local authorities in Maribor.
An important emphasis of the evening was placed on the signed Memorandum of Cooperation between the "Komovi" Association and Academia Institute of Technology, as well as on the initiative to obtain the status of an association of special social importance from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.
In his speech, Minister Azemović highlighted that the visit to Maribor was one of the most beautiful during his mandate, as he witnessed the strong connection between the Montenegrin diaspora and the homeland. He was particularly pleased by the fact that among those gathered were also numerous young people – children of emigrants and students who represent the future of the community.
In the discussion with visitors, numerous important questions and proposals were raised, including clarifications on citizenship, emigrant booklets, investment opportunities, tax relief, and support programmes for young people and professionals from abroad. Special emphasis was placed on building bridges between the diaspora and Montenegro – with the desire for cooperation, returning knowledge and experience, and joint development.
The evening concluded in a pleasant atmosphere with traditional Montenegrin dishes prepared by members of the community. Amidst the warmth of home cooking, memories and shared love for the homeland, the strength of connection and warmth of the Montenegrin community in Maribor was once again confirmed.
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Source: Academia (9. 4. 2025). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.
This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica
