US Vice-President Joe Biden has assured Serbia that the two countries can open a new page in relations, regardless of differences over Kosovo.

Mr Biden is the highest-ranked American to visit Serbia since the US led a Nato bombing campaign to expel Serb forces from Kosovo in 1999.

He said the US backed Serbia's plans to join the European Union.

Serbian President Boris Tadic said the two states could progress "on the basis of dialogue rooted in mutual respect".

But he made clear that Serbia would not give ground over its claims to Kosovo, which declared independence last year.

"Serbia does not recognise Kosovo's independence, and would never recognise it. Serbia has the legitimate right to defend its territorial integrity peacefully by diplomatic and legal means," he said.

Mr Biden said: "The United States does not, I emphasise, does not expect Serbia to recognise the independence of Kosovo.

"It is not a precondition for our relationship or our support for Serbia becoming part of the European Union," he said.

The US and most EU countries have recognised Kosovo's independence, but a majority of countries have not.

Mr Biden is on a tour of the Balkans. On Tuesday he visited Bosnia and on Thursday will go to Kosovo itself.

Diplomacy in action.  The VP at least attempting to bring countries together.  A far more welcomed sight over a VP trying to tear nations apart.