Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić's office said late on Monday that he had refused to receive visiting Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The reason is that "provocations were to be expected from him," a statement said.

"On the occasion of the provocations of Albanian Premier Edi Rama during his visit to Serbia, the Presidential Service for Media Cooperation is stressing that this kind of behavior was expected from him, which was the key reason why President Tomislav Nikolić refused to meet with him," a statement said.

It added that "Albania will find it difficult to join the family of modern European states until it gives up on its dream of a hydra called 'Greater Albania'."

"For two and a half years Serbia has been making an effort aimed at the Balkans becoming a safe and prosperous region in Europe - but as long as there are irresponsible politicians like Edi Rama, it is clear it will be a job filled with challenges," the statement said.