"The Montenegrin side has been invited to talks on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the level of ambassadors and on opening embassies in Moscow and Podgorica," the statement says.

Russia has also recognized that, after the proclamation of the independence of Montenegro under Article 60 of the constitutional charter of Serbia and Montenegro and a resolution of the Serbian parliament, Serbia would be the legal successor of the union of Serbia and Montenegro and keep its membership of international organizations.

"In this context, Russia has confirmed the continuity of its policy of consistent development of friendly relations with the Republic of Serbia," the statement says.