Djuric receives official of UAE MFA

BELGRADE - Serbian caretaker FM Marko Djuric met on Monday in Belgrade with Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, minister of state at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with whom he opened the first bilateral political consultations between the Serbian and UAE MFAs.

Djuric said he believed the political consultations would contribute significantly to further stepping up of Serbia-UAE dialogue, as well as to an exchange on key bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

He noted that Serbia-UAE relations, based on friendship, mutual respect and understanding, had reached the highest level through the establishment of strategic partnership and the signing of a comprehensive agreement on economic partnership.

He added that intensive political dialogue and the personal relationship between Aleksandar Vucic and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had contributed further to development of bilateral relations.

Speaking about economic cooperation, Djuric noted that UAE investments were important for the Serbian economy and highlighted the cooperation in the energy sector, especially when it comes to renewable energy sources.

Commenting on Serbia's foreign policy priorities, Djuric noted that advancement of regional cooperation and good-neighbourly relations, along with preservation of peace and stability and strengthening economic ties, was among Serbia's key priorities.

In that context, he noted the significance of Serbia's active participation in regional initiatives and forums aimed at strengthening cooperation and overall development in the Western Balkans.

He said preserving economic stability was among Serbia's major priorities, besides continuing to attract investments, strengthening economic growth and creating a favourable environment for further development of economic cooperation with international partners.

He said he was pleased the UAE had confirmed its participation in the Specialised EXPO 2027 Belgrade and noted that the UAE's experience with preparing and hosting an EXPO would be of great significance to Serbia.

Djuric said he was pleased with the dynamics of the development of bilateral relations with the UAE and noted that Serbia would be especially glad to receive a visit from UAE FM Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.