BELGRADE -- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama sayst Serbia "should become an ally of Albania, in order for the people in the Balkans to find peace."

"We have had a very difficult past, a years-long break in communication and a very dramatic period because of the regime in Belgrade and the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, but we are absolutely certain that a completely new period is in our hands and that an immense number of opportunities lie before our countries," Rama told the N1 television, Beta reported.

He reiterated his view that "the reality is that Kosovo is independent, because it has been recognized by more than half of the UN. member countries," and that " it would be better for Serbia to accept this fact as soon as possible."

Rama was in Belgrade last month for an official visit fraught with tension, and again this week for the China-CEEC summit.