BELGRADE, Serbia

Montenegro has opened a new chapter in its relations with Serbia, President Jakov Milatovic said on Monday.

Milatovic made the remarks during a joint press conference following tete-a-tete talks with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic during his official visit to Belgrade.

"Rather than destroying relationships, we should strengthen them. With this visit, a new page will be opened in our relations," the president said, adding that "Montenegro is a friend of Serbia and Serbia is a friend of Montenegro."

Milatovic, who won the presidential election in the second round on April 2 and has been serving as head of state since May, said: “The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU has no alternative."

Milatovic arrived in Serbia on Sunday for his first official two-day visit. Vucic hosted Milatovic at a dinner with the message that he is confident that the two countries are opening a new chapter in their relations.

He also extended a public invitation to Serbian President Vucic to visit Montenegro's capital, Podgorica.

Vucic, for his part, said the two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

"We have historical ties with Montenegro that extend beyond trade and commerce and exist in a variety of fields. Many Serbs live in Montenegro, and many Montenegrins live in Serbia," he explained.