China inaugurated its embassy in Podgorica, capital of Montenegro, on Friday, a day after the two countries signed in Beijing a joint communique to establish diplomatic ties.

The fully-fledged embassy has replaced the country's general consulate and previous general consul Liu Wenxin will be charge d'affaires.

Liu told Xinhua that China was the second country to open an embassy in Montenegro, only after Slovenia.

He said all circles of life in Montenegro had paid great attention to the event and that the new embassy would play a vital role in strengthening the comprehensive, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

During the last few days, Montenegrin media have extensively covered the establishment of diplomatic ties between Montenegro and China, as well as the opening of the embassy.

Reports described the establishment of ties between the two countries as "greatly encouraging".

Montenegrins voted for independence from Serbia in a referendum on May 21 and declared independence on June 3.

China announced its recognition of Montenegro's sovereignty and independence on June 14 and signed a joint communique with Montenegro to establish diplomatic ties on Thursday.

Source: Xinhua