Presidents of Serbia, Montenegro agree to patch up strained relations between historic allies

By JOVANA GEC
Associated Press

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — The presidents of Serbia and Montenegro have agreed to try to patch up strained relations between the historic Balkan allies. The two countries formed a joint state until Montenegro split in 2006 following a referendum on independence. The former allies grew further apart after Montenegro recognized the 2008 declaration of independence of Serbia’s former province of Kosovo. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic and Montenegro’s new President Jakov Milatovic said after a meeting on Monday in Belgrade that they will work to improve political ties to match their economic cooperation. Milatovic’s visit to Belgrade was first by a Montenegrin president in years.