Rome, 22 May 2024 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova is set to head a state-church delegation to Rome and Vatican for the observance of May 24 – the Day of the Pan-Slavic Educators Ss. Cyril and Methodius, in her first official foreign trip after her victory at the May 8 presidential elections.

According to the President’s Office, on Thursday, Siljanovska-Davkova will have an audience with Pope Francis, followed by a meeting with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin.

On Thursday afternoon, the delegation led by Siljanovska-Davkova will attend a concert of the Chamber Orchestra of Bitola organized by the Ministry of Culture. 

The observance of the Day of the Pan-Slavic Educators will take place on Friday, May 24, with a visit to St. Cyril’s grave at the Basilica of Saint Clement, followed by a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where President Siljanovska Davkova will lay a wreath at the plate with a Macedonian inscription.

As part of her visit to Rome, Siljanovska-Davkova will also hold a meeting with her Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, on Friday, which will be followed by a media statement.

According to the President’s Office it is still unknown whether Siljanovska-Davkova will meet with the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, who is also expected to be in Rome for the same occasion.