Post by : Badri Ariffin

During an official visit to Serbia, Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut welcomed Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), alongside his delegation, reinforcing their shared commitment to fostering greater cooperation across various sectors.

Ghobash delivered greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. He expressed hopes for Serbia’s enduring prosperity and growth.

In response, Prime Minister Macut reciprocated with warm wishes for the UAE’s leadership and its people, aiming for continued success and development.

The discussions reviewed the existing bilateral relationship and the potential to enhance cooperation in economic, investment, and development sectors. Both parties recognized the escalating significance of trade and investment as foundational pillars in the UAE-Serbia partnership.

The implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which commenced in June 2025, was identified as a pivotal advancement toward strengthening economic relations. This agreement is projected to enhance non-oil trade, stimulate reciprocal investments, foster private-sector growth, and create fresh opportunities across renewable energy, food security, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, and technology.

Both nations noted the crucial impact of UAE investments on Serbia’s economic growth and infrastructure advancements, underscoring the necessity for increased engagement from businesses and investors on both sides.

The dialogue also extended to energy cooperation, sustainability, green initiatives, food security, and agricultural investments, with officials advocating for collaboration leveraging the UAE’s expertise in renewable energy and sustainable projects.

Discussion on the Expo 2027 Belgrade highlighted the potential benefits to economic, investment, and technology partnerships, particularly learning from the UAE’s experience in hosting Expo 2020 Dubai.

On the subject of regional and international concerns, both countries emphasized supporting stability and development in the Balkans and advocated for diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts while honoring state sovereignty.

Ghobash highlighted that the UAE’s approach to regional security prioritizes stability, development, and respect for sovereignty while fostering peaceful political solutions. He pointed out that Gulf security is intricately linked to global energy markets and international trade routes.

He raised alarms over rising regional tensions, stressing that recent actions have underlined security threats stemming from Iranian policies, regional interventions supporting armed groups, and advancements in missile and drone capabilities.

Ghobash cautioned that the UAE has recently faced serious threats from Iran, including attacks on its territory, civilian infrastructures, and strategic sites, notably those associated with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, describing these actions as significant escalations threatening regional stability.

He warned that threats against international shipping routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, could have profound implications for global commerce, energy sectors, and supply chains.

The FNC Speaker advocated for enhanced international collaboration to address widespread global challenges such as energy security, food stability, climate change, and economic strains.

The meeting also deliberated on potential collaborations in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the digital realm, smart city development, and innovation, marking the importance of partnerships among governments, businesses, educational institutions, and research entities to stimulate innovation and knowledge sharing.

By the meeting’s conclusion, UAE and Serbian officials confirmed that their relationship has matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing political, economic, investment, and institutional collaboration, with a shared commitment to advancing these ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting was attended by Ahmed Al Menhali, UAE Ambassador to Serbia, along with members of the FNC and senior council officials.

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