The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia in a major diplomatic attempt to strengthen the growing strategic alliance between the two countries.
Principal Domains of Collaboration All-encompassing Strategic and Financial Alliance
After signing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CEPA), both leaders reiterated it and stressed the importance of accelerating private sector cooperation, trade, and investment.
Sheikh Mohamed highlighted how CEPA is opening up revolutionary possibilities in the fields of technology, food security, and renewable energy.
Sectoral Cooperation
Expanding collaboration in technology, food security, agriculture, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and cybersecurity were the main topics of discussion.
To strengthen connections in judicial collaboration, cultural exchange, diplomatic training, and anti-human trafficking initiatives, many Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were inked.
Initiatives for Regional and International Peace
The leaders emphasised peace and stability in the Balkans and larger international arenas, emphasising the value of communication and diplomacy in resolving disputes.
Official Declarations
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed:
“We believe that peace and stability are the cornerstone of development and prosperity… economic and trade collaboration is essential for a brighter future for our peoples.”
President Vučić expressed optimism about enhanced bilateral cooperation and lauded the UAE’s role in Serbia’s development path.
The Bigger Picture
CEPA enforcement between the UAE and Serbia represents a major step toward strengthening economic ties, expected to reduce trade barriers, support SMEs, and boost investment flows.
For the UAE, Serbia is a key European partner, exemplified by strategic UAE-led investments like the Belgrade Waterfront and previous aviation collaborations.
