THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Close relations with Serbia, based on principles of equality and mutual respect, are considered as one of the foreign policy priorities of Montenegro, bearing in mind historical, cultural and economic ties between the two countries and joint European goals both countries are aspiring to.

Republic of Serbia recognized Montenegro as an independent and sovereign state on 15 June 2006. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 22 June 2006.
Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Serbia Anka Vojvodić presented her letters of credence to President of the Republic of Serbia Boris Tadić on 4 January 2007, whilst  Zoran Lutovac assumed the role of Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Montenegro having presented the letters of credence to President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović on 6 March 2008. Following the Montenegrin recognition of Kosovo, Serbian Government declared the Montenegrin ambassador persona non grata. Montenegro decided not to reciprocate as regards ambassador of Serbia to Montenegro, nor to take any other measures that could further deteriorate relations between the two countries.


BILATERAL VISITS

Since the proclamation of Montenegrin independence contacts at the highest level  have been maintained.

ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Montenegro and Serbia are important foreign trade partners: Serbia ranks first in the overall Montenegro's foreign trade, whilst Montenegro ranks third in Serbia's overall foreign trade exchange.
In 2008 foreign exchange amounted to 875.84 million € (761.63 million € derived from Montenegro's import to Serbia, 114.48 million € from export). In 2007 total exchange of goods between Montenegro and Serbia amounted to 807 million € (169 million € derived from Montenegro's export to Serbia, 638 million € from import).
During 2008 the inflow of investments from Serbia amounted to 43.54 million €, whilst it was 43 million € in 2007.

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

CONSULAR AFFAIRS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, through its Diplomatic Consular network provides consular services to Montenegrin citizens in those states where Montenegro does not have its own representation, in accordance with the Memorandum on provisions of consular protection and services to citizens of Montenegro in Diplomatic Consular Missions of the Republic of Serbia, which came into force on 13 February 2007. Consular consultations between the representatives of  Montegerin and Serbian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Ministries of Interior were held on 23 March 2008 in Podgorica.

COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TRANSPORT

Both states articulated their strong interest in intensifying cooperation in the field of maritime, railway and road transport. Revitalization of railway Bar-Belgrade, construction of highway Bar-Boljare connecting Montenegro and Serbia and building of modern border crossings will notably strengthen relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia. Agreement on Border Control in Railway Transport was signed on 9 March 9 2009. Agreement on Transport of Passengers and Goods in International Road Transport was initialed on 13 February 2009.

TOURISM