The visit by the president of Serbia, Boris Tadic, to Montenegro's capital Podgorica on November 19th signalled an improvement in relations between the two countries, which have been strained since Montenegro's declaration of independence in 2006. The strains were highlighted by Montenegro's recognition of Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, and more recently by accusations on the part of the Serbian authorities that Montenegro was sheltering criminals, including drug smugglers wanted in Serbia. As part of the relaxation of tensions, at the end of October the two countries signed an extradition treaty, which may help overcome the disagreements over tackling crime. During his visit to Montenegro Mr Tadic and Mr Vujanovic expressed mutual support for their two countries' EU accession bids. Mr Vujanovic responded positively to Mr Tadic's suggestion that the two states could establish joint diplomatic offices in some countries.

Mr Tadic also met Mr Djukanovic, but for the second time in recent months he spurned the speaker of parliament, Ranko Krivokapic. Mr Tadic's decision may have been prompted by his irritation about having been drawn into a dispute between Montenegro's parliamentary speaker and president. As part of the dispute Mr Krivokapic had accused Mr Vujanovic of seeking to establish closer links with Montenegro's pro-Serbian opposition parties by holding a secret meeting with Mr Tadic earlier in the year.