Although there are still issues on which Serbia and Montenegro hold divergent views, the relations between Serbia and Montenegro could and must be better and the two countries should be the closest allies not only in the region, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic said.

In an interview to the Tuesday issue of the Belgrade-based daily Vecernje Novosti, he said that Montenegro and Serbia are bound by history.

"The two countries have similar present and future goals, which could be a solid basis for us, as partners, to formulate a common interest in a politically responsible way," Vujanovic said.

The Montenegrin President said that he paid last official visit to Belgrade two years ago, and added that he has "substantial, constructive and friendly communication" with Serbian President Boris Tadic.

"We will meet again on Wednesday, at the meeting of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), over which Montenegro is currently presiding, and Serbia is to take over the presidency.

The meeting will be attended by heads of state and government, and that will be the most important gathering in Montenegro since its declaration of independence," he announced.

Vujanovic voiced his satisfaction over the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, adding that it would be good if the talks were more intensive. He also said that the dialogue should have started even earlier.