Vucevic: Serbia ready to work on boosting relations with friendly Montenegro

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Milos Vucevic met with Montenegrin Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic in Belgrade on Tuesday, noting that Serbia is ready to work on advancement of relations with brotherly and friendly Montenegro.

Historically, no other country has been closer to Montenegro than Serbia has, Vucevic said.

Years of artificially created divisions are now behind us, while the days of a new chapter in bilateral relations are ahead of us, a government statement quoted Vucevic as saying.

He said the census in Montenegro was the country's internal affair but that it was important to note that Serbs in Montenegro had preserved their national identity.

"I am proud of Serbs in Montenegro," Vucevic added.

He noted that Serbia would always insist on respect for the rights of the Serbs in line with European standards, just like it did in communication with other states as well.

Vucevic also said he hoped he would soon see a Montenegrin ambassador in Belgrade, which he said would boost bilateral relations and cooperation.

Serbia maintains good economic relations and quality goods and services trade with Montenegro, he said.

Vucevic and Mandic agreed on the significance of large infrastructure projects such as the completion of a motorway, a reconstruction of a Belgrade-Bar rail line and achieving the full potential of the Port of Bar.

Mandic said having the best possible relations and cooperation with Serbia was of great interest to Montenegro.