Steinberg, who visited Belgrade and held talks with top Serbian officials as part of his tour of Southeast Europe, expressed U.S. support to the leaders of these countries in efforts to build a common European future.

Serbia is a key partner to the United States in this region, Steinberg said, welcoming Serbia's efforts to resolve issues in its neighbourhood, according to the Belgrade media.

Despite the differences Washington and Belgrade have regarding Kosovo, the U.S. advocates finding solutions to practical issues citizens are faced with, Steinberg said.

During talks with Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, Steinberg stressed he was satisfied with cooperation between the Serbian Interior Ministry and U.S. security agencies in fighting organised crime and terrorism.

Dacic said his ministry wanted good cooperation with representatives of the international community in Kosovo, KFOR, UNMIK and EULEX, so as to maintain peace and security of all citizens, according to a statement issued by the Serbian Interior Ministry.

Earlier today, the U.S. official held talks with Serbian President Boris Tadic.

Later in the day, Steinberg visited Pristina where he held talks with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci.

He hailed the progress Kosovo has made in the past two years since it gained independence.

We agreed that Kosovo needs to develop good relations with its neighbours, Steinberg said.

Pristina and Belgrade can discuss many practical issues, regardless of their different positions on Kosovo's status, he said.

Steinberg added that recent local elections in Kosovo had strengthened democracy.

The US official also visited the Kosovo Serb enclave of Gracanica where he discussed problems of the Serb community with local leaders.