Albania prime minister's visit to Serbia postponed following soccer brawl that fueled tensions

Serbian riot police officers clash with Serbian national team supporters during the Euro 2016 Group I qualifying match between Serbia and Albania at the Partizan stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. The 2016 European Championship qualifier between Serbia and Albania was abandoned on Tuesday after skirmishes broke out on the pitch involving players and fans over an Albanian flag that was flown above the stadium by a drone. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic) (The Associated Press)

BELGRADE, Serbia – A planned visit this week by Albania's prime minister to Serbia, the first in nearly 70 years, has been postponed for next month, after political tensions soared between the two Balkan rivals following a soccer brawl.

A statement issued by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic's office says he and Albanian counterpart Edi Rama spoke on the phone Sunday and agreed to meet on Nov. 10 instead of Wednesday.

The statement adds the two have pledged "to not let go of the opportunity to meet and work for regional stability, and to turn a new page regarding the political and economic relations between the two countries."

Last Wednesday's Serbia-Albania European Championship qualifying match was suspended after a drone carrying an Albanian nationalist flag ignited clashes between players and fans.