Ljubljana, 18 May 2026
On Monday, 18 May, the Slovenian capital hosted a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro’s independence, accompanied by a rich artistic programme. The anniversary celebration and its programme were sponsored and initiated by Vojislav Kovač, Honorary Consul of Montenegro in the Republic of Slovenia.
More than 420 distinguished guests from Slovenian public life, the diplomatic corps, representatives of Montenegrin associations and the diaspora, students, as well as guests from Montenegro, attended the event, which was organised by the Embassy of Montenegro in cooperation with Vojislav Kovač, Honorary Consul of Montenegro in Slovenia.
Following a ceremonial salute to the flags by guards of the Armed Forces of Montenegro and the Slovenian Armed Forces, and the performance of the two national anthems, the guests were addressed by Dragan Tufegdžić, Ambassador of Montenegro to Slovenia.
He emphasised that Montenegro’s statehood is not merely a political fact, but a value deeply woven into the identity of every Montenegrin citizen. He added that the anniversary carries a special symbolism, as it brings together the past, present and future in one powerful and enduring idea of statehood.
During the ceremony in Ljubljana, Ambassador Tufegdžić announced that Vojislav Kovač, host of the ceremony and sponsor of the anniversary celebration, would soon receive a high state decoration in recognition of his outstanding contribution.
Vojislav Kovač, Honorary Consul of Montenegro in Slovenia, said he was particularly pleased that the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro’s independence was being commemorated together with members of the Montenegrin diaspora and friends of Montenegro in Slovenia — a country where he has lived for more than 35 years and where, as he emphasised, people understand the importance of freedom, statehood and pride in one’s country. He stressed that his sponsorship and initiative in organising the ceremony represented his personal contribution to marking this important anniversary and a gift to Montenegro’s friends in Slovenia.
“I believe that we will soon gather together in Ljubljana, united by friendship and shared European values, to celebrate the achievement of our main goal as well — Montenegro’s membership in the European Union,” Kovač said.
The artistic programme took the audience on a musical and theatrical journey through the history of Montenegro, from the era of Duklja to the present day. Through music, narration and stage performances, the country’s traditions, culture and identity were presented. A special dimension was added to the programme by performances of Montenegrin songs arranged by the renowned clarinettist and composer Aleksandar Bojčevski.
Among the many distinguished guests attending the ceremony in Ljubljana were former President of the Republic of Slovenia Milan Kučan, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, Mayor of the City of Ljubljana Zoran Janković, as well as regional music stars Magnifico and Senidah, along with numerous other prominent guests.
Photos: Peter Irman
