Rome, 25 May 2025 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who attended pianist Simon Trpcheski’s concert in Rome Saturday evening as part of the “Macedonia in Honour of St. Cyril” event, stated that no one will forget that evening and that it is yet another confirmation of the power of cultural diplomacy.

“I have no words to describe it. The atmosphere of 'Horti Sallustiani' is stunning, and Simon Trpcheski and his orchestra were phenomenal. Of course, they played 'Makedonissimo' alongside works by Tchaikovsky and Grieg. I believe all the present guests from embassies and diaspora representatives, not only from Italy but from other countries as well, were left breathless,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

According to her, “the concert was magnificent, a shared joy” attended by Minister of Culture Zoran Ljutkov along with the priests who are part of the state-church delegation in Italy.

“I believe no one will forget this evening; it is yet another confirmation of the power of cultural diplomacy,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

“And I will say again that I believe, alongside traditional diplomacy, cultural diplomacy is our most powerful weapon,” she added.

President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and the state-church delegation visiting Rome and the Vatican for the celebration of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Saturday, laid a wreath at the Macedonian-language memorial plaque honouring the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Siljanovska-Davkova and the delegation also visited the tomb of Pope Francis.

Macedonian state-church delegation led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova attended a prayer service Friday at the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, held at the tomb of Saint Cyril in observance of May 24, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Day. The prayer service was led by Metropolitan Josif of Tetovo-Gostivar and Bishop Jakov of Stobi, in attendance of several priests.

President Siljanovska-Davkova will have an audience with the new Pope Leo XIV and meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on Monday.

Siljanovska-Davkova is also set to meet with her Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella.

Photo: President’s Office