Vucic becomes first European leader to visit UAE since outbreak of Middle East conflict

ABU DHABI - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic paid a surprise visit to the UAE on Sunday, becoming the first European and the third world leader to visit the country following visits by Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

During the visit, Vucic met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"In a several-hour, surprise but important visit to the UAE. Especially grateful to the UAE president for welcoming me and seeing me off at the airport, whereby he showed great respect to our country," Vucic posted on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account on Sunday evening.

He said that he had once again condemned in the strongest terms the attacks on the UAE and expressed Serbia's full solidarity with the friendly people of the UAE in these grave and worrying circumstances.

"In times when the Middle East is facing serious challenges and when the consequences of conflicts and instability reach far beyond the borders of the region, it is important that we show support to friends in a clear manner, as well as responsibility in seeking a path to peace and stability. We also exchanged views on our bilateral relations, based on mutual trust, respect and concrete results," Vucic noted.

He added that he had especially noted that Serbia wanted to continue to develop comprehensive cooperation with the UAE, from investments and the energy sector to new technologies and development projects, as well as to maintain political dialogue at the highest level, which he noted was extremely important in times like these.

"Serbia is exceptionally appreciative of the support and attitude the UAE is showing to our country and, in particular, of a readiness for us to together seek new solutions amid complex global circumstances as well and strengthen cooperation of strategic importance. I am confident that the friendship we have been building for years represents a firm foundation for forging further ties between our countries and nations," Vucic also posted.

"In uneasy times such as these, it is important to have friends that understand the gravity of the moment, as well as the significance of peace, stability and cooperation for the future of our peoples," Vucic concluded.