Serbia and Montenegro established formal diplomatic relations on 22 June 2006, when the foreign ministers of both countries signed a protocol in Belgrade cementing the split between the two former partners. Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Draskovic and Montenegrin counterpart Miodrag Vlahovic marked the occasion with a champagne toast.
Montenegro's path to independence began with a 21 May referendum in which 55.5 percent of voters chose separation, narrowly clearing the required 55 percent threshold. The Montenegrin parliament declared independence on 3 June, ending more than eight decades of union in various forms. Serbia officially recognized its neighbor 12 days after that declaration.
The two ministers agreed to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible, with September cited as a likely target. Both sides pledged to protect the rights of their respective populations and to maintain close cooperation.
Montenegro's independence, completing the 15-year dissolution of the former Yugoslav federation, has already been recognized by numerous countries and the European Union. UN officials indicated the Security Council was set to approve Montenegro's membership application, which would make the small Adriatic nation the body's 192nd member. Montenegro was also expected to join the OSCE Permanent Council that same day.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.