Draskovic visited Tirana at the invitation of his Albanian counterpart Kastriot Islami. This is the first such visit since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations in 2001. Relations were severed in 1999 due to the conflict in Kosovo and NATO's armed intervention in Serbia and Montenegro.
Draskovic said Kosovo was an "open wound" for Serbia and Montenegro, stressing that dialogue was imperative and should be pursued. Talks on the final status of Kosovo are expected to start early next year, under the UN's patronage.
The two ministers discussed European and Euro-Atlantic integration, concluding that Serbia and Montenegro and Albania shared the same goals in this respect. Discussing the region, the two ministers said their countries were ready to contribute to its stabilisation.
Draskovic and Islami said bilateral relations were improving, as confirmed by the signing of agreements on economic cooperation and the avoidance of double taxation.