Serbia, UAE sign agreement on experience-sharing, modernisation of gov'ts

DUBAI - Secretary General of the Government of Serbia Petar Janjic and Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet Maryam Al Hammadi signed on Wednesday at the World Governments Summit in Dubai a Serbia-UAE agreement on experience-sharing and modernisation of the two governments.

"The signing of this agreement continues and further deepens the strategic partnership between the two countries, with a clear focus on strengthening the capacity of a modern, digital and innovative public administration," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"The aim of the agreement is to establish institutionalised cooperation in areas of key importance for the long-term development of the Republic of Serbia and its transformation towards an economy based on knowledge, innovation and digital technologies.

Cooperation will focus on digital governance and digital transformation of the public sector, digital economy and development of innovative services, artificial intelligence and application of advanced technologies, science, innovation and research and development programmes, education and development of digital skills, business incubators and development of startup ecosystems, creative industries and tourism, as well as other areas of common interest that the parties subsequently determine.

The Agreement is of particular importance for the Republic of Serbia as it provides access to knowledge and best practices of one of the most technologically advanced and agile governments in the world, especially in the areas of e-government and artificial intelligence.

At the same time, the agreement contributes to accelerating public administration reform, improving the quality of public services and the efficiency of state institutions, strengthening the innovation and startup ecosystem, as well as further positioning Serbia as a regional leader in digital transformation, innovation and creative industries," it also said.