UAE and Serbia Strengthen Strategic Ties During High-Level Meeting
In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia, on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. The meeting underscored a commitment to deepening UAE-Serbia relations across economic, political, and strategic fronts. With both nations emphasizing development and mutual prosperity, the high-level talks reinforced their shared vision for long-term cooperation.
Held at Qasr Al Watan, the working visit highlighted the evolving partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Serbia. The discussions aligned with the two nations’ goals of accelerating joint development and exploring new opportunities in critical sectors including trade, energy, investment, and food security.
UAE-Serbia Diplomatic Engagement at Qasr Al Watan
The formal meeting took place at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s ceremonial palace, where President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed personally welcomed President Vučić. The UAE leader expressed his hope that the Serbian President’s working visit would contribute positively to expanding existing ties and shaping new ones. The visit marked another milestone in the strengthening of UAE Serbia bilateral relations and was a reaffirmation of growing trust and political understanding between the two countries.
Both presidents emphasized that the visit was not merely ceremonial but focused on real outcomes across a range of strategic sectors. It demonstrated how shared values of progress, peace, and stability are helping shape a new era of cooperation.
Exploring Strategic Economic and Developmental Partnerships
The discussions between President Sheikh Mohamed and President Vučić focused on enhancing UAE-Serbia economic cooperation. Both leaders reviewed existing partnerships and explored new opportunities in investment, renewable energy, development, and infrastructure. Their mutual ambition to drive inclusive economic growth was echoed through every sector addressed during the meeting.
A particular focus was placed on expanding collaborations in food security and sustainability—two critical areas that both countries prioritize. With Serbia being a major agricultural hub in Europe and the UAE a leader in food innovation, there exists vast potential for synergy between the two nations.
The leaders also examined how both countries could accelerate cooperation in advanced industries and development planning, further contributing to regional economic security and resilience.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade Through CEPA
Central to the economic dialogue was the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which officially came into effect in May 2025. The UAE-Serbia CEPA serves as a powerful framework to boost trade volumes, improve market access, and streamline investment procedures between both nations.
President Sheikh Mohamed and President Vučić reaffirmed their mutual commitment to leveraging CEPA’s benefits to their full potential. They discussed implementation strategies and stressed the need for private sector engagement to ensure that CEPA results in tangible progress for both economies.
The CEPA framework is designed to eliminate tariffs, harmonize standards, and enhance logistics cooperation. By fostering an open, efficient, and transparent trade environment, CEPA is expected to generate long-term benefits and deepen the foundation of UAE Serbia economic ties.
Regional and International Dialogues: A Shared Vision for Stability
In addition to economic discussions, the two leaders exchanged views on current international developments and regional dynamics, particularly those affecting the Middle East. The UAE and Serbia recognized the need for constructive diplomacy, peacebuilding, and inclusive dialogue to address ongoing global challenges.
President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the UAE’s firm belief in regional stability as a cornerstone for sustainable growth. He welcomed Serbia’s active approach to international cooperation and its balanced diplomatic stance on global issues.
President Vučić, in turn, expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s proactive role in fostering peace and development in the region and emphasized Serbia’s commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts and restoring peace in volatile areas.
Shared Commitment to Development and Innovation
Both leaders underscored their countries’ aspirations for modernization and innovation. The UAE and Serbia are investing heavily in research, technology, and knowledge-based economies. Their discussions included future partnerships in education, science, renewable technologies, and digital transformation.
President Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the UAE’s emphasis on future-focused development and welcomed Serbia’s willingness to collaborate in these fast-evolving sectors. Serbia, with its expanding innovation hubs and skilled workforce, presents an ideal partner in tech and R&D cooperation.
Their talks revealed a shared commitment to building ecosystems that support startups, innovation parks, and public-private partnerships. This alignment sets the stage for long-term innovation-led collaborations between the UAE and Serbia.
High-Level Delegations in Attendance
The significance of the meeting was reflected in the presence of senior officials and advisors from both countries. Attending from the UAE side were Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President. They were joined by Ali Bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security, and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State.
Also present were Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Ahmed Al Menhali, UAE Ambassador to Serbia; and Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eagle Hills Abu Dhabi.
On the Serbian side, President Vučić was accompanied by an official delegation that included key ministers, advisors, and diplomats, signaling Serbia’s strong interest in strengthening UAE-Serbia diplomatic and economic cooperation.
UAE and Serbia: A Pathway to Long-Term Bilateral Success
The overall tone of the meeting between the two presidents reflected deep mutual respect and a forward-looking approach. The UAE and Serbia continue to build a resilient partnership based on mutual economic interests, shared political values, and a common vision for peace and development.
The visit reinforced the role of the UAE as a bridge between regions and economies, offering a collaborative platform for countries like Serbia that are looking to diversify their international partnerships. At the same time, Serbia is emerging as a reliable European partner for the UAE’s broader strategic outreach.
President Vučić’s working visit, which began the evening prior, served as an important diplomatic milestone. The outcomes of this visit are expected to translate into tangible projects and cooperation mechanisms that further institutionalize UAE Serbia relations.
