Macut: Sretenje symbolises freedom, Serbia's commitment to peace, cooperation

DUBAI - Sretenje symbolises freedom, statehood and Serbia's permanent commitment to peace, cooperation and progress, and to the values representing the foundation of Serbia's relations with partners around the world, Serbian PM Djuro Macut said at a reception hosted by the Serbian embassy in Abu Dhabi to mark the upcoming Statehood Day of Serbia - Sretenje - and Serbian Armed Forces Day, celebrated on February 15.

"Prime Minister Macut emphasised that the Republic of Serbia attaches special importance to relations with the United Arab Emirates, which are based on mutual respect, trust and strong cooperation in numerous areas, and that further development of these relations is in mutual interest," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"The Prime Minister thanked the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Abu Dhabi for its dedicated work, as well as all the guests who attended the celebration of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia and wished a happy Statehood Day," it said.

"Welcoming the guests, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the United Arab Emirates Vladimir Maric underlined that he is particularly pleased to see a large number of our compatriots who have found their home in the United Arab Emirates.

The guest of honour at the reception was President of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates Saqr Ghobash.

The reception was attended, among others, by Minister of Justice of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environmental Protection Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Youth Affairs Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi and Deputy Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The formal reception was also attended by ministers in the Government of the Republic of Serbia who are participating in the World Governments Summit in Dubai: Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Snezana Paunovic, Minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women Tatjana Macura and Minister of Education Professor Dejan Vuk Stankovic," the statement also said.