Saqr Ghobash and the Speaker of the Serbian National Assembly discuss strengthening parliamentary cooperation and witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding

The Speaker of the Federal National Council, Saqr Ghobash, held an official session of discussions with the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, during his official visit to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, within the framework of the United Arab Emirates’ keenness to strengthen its bilateral relations with the Republic of Serbia and develop the prospects for parliamentary cooperation between the two friendly countries.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the strength of the Emirati-Serbian relations and the continuous development they are witnessing at various political, economic and investment levels, stressing the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation in a way that supports the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and keeps pace with the rapid growth in areas of joint cooperation.

Ana Brnabic welcomed Saqr Ghobash and the accompanying delegation, expressing her appreciation for the close relations between the two friendly countries, which are witnessing continuous growth in various fields, stressing that the UAE is an important partner of the Republic of Serbia and that bilateral cooperation has contributed to supporting many vital and development sectors.

Saqr Ghobash expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality, stressing that bilateral relations are witnessing continuous development thanks to the support and care they enjoy from the leadership of the two countries, noting that the Emirati-Serbian partnership has become a model of strategic cooperation based on mutual trust and common interests.

He said that the UAE views the Republic of Serbia as an important partner in the Balkans and Europe and a gateway to cooperation with the countries of Central and Southeastern Europe, pointing out that the relations between the two countries have gone beyond the traditional nature into a solid strategic, economic and development partnership.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen parliamentary relations by activating parliamentary friendship committees, organizing regular mutual visits, and exchanging expertise and experiences in the legislative and oversight fields, in addition to enhancing coordination and cooperation in regional and international parliamentary forums, most notably the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Ghobash stressed the importance of the role that parliamentary institutions can play in enhancing popular confidence in bilateral relations and consolidating cooperation between societies and institutions, in line with the level of distinguished relations that unite the two countries.

The discussions also addressed the importance of supporting the implementation of the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries, most notably the comprehensive strategic partnership and the comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which contributes to providing a supportive environment for cooperation in the sectors of investment, energy, food security, technology, education, tourism, air transport and logistical connectivity.

The two sides stressed the importance of intercultural dialogue and promoting the values ​​of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity, stressing the pivotal role played by parliaments in consolidating the discourse of moderation and understanding and strengthening bridges of communication between peoples.

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states, not interfering in their internal affairs, settling disputes by peaceful means, and supporting efforts aimed at enhancing security, stability and development at the regional and international levels.

The meeting discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of education, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. The two sides stressed the importance of investing in education and building human capabilities as one of the basic foundations for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the competitiveness of countries, in addition to expanding areas of cooperation in scientific research, innovation, and exchanging experiences and knowledge.

Saqr Ghobash stressed that the UAE is one of the world’s leading countries in the field of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, noting that these technologies represent a strategic opportunity to enhance productivity and efficiency and support the process of sustainable development, while Her Excellency Ana Brnabic expressed her country’s interest in benefiting from the advanced UAE experience in this field.

The President of the Serbian National Assembly also expressed her appreciation for the support provided by the UAE to the Republic of Serbia’s bid to host Expo 2027 Belgrade, stressing the importance of the UAE’s participation in this international event, which represents an important platform for enhancing economic, cultural and technological cooperation among the participating countries.

The two sides stressed the continuation of communication and coordination during the next phase and working to capitalize on the positive momentum witnessed by the Emirati-Serbian relations in a way that achieves the common interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples, and contributes to strengthening the strategic partnership between them in various political, economic, parliamentary and development fields.

Saqr Ghobash extended an official invitation to Ana Brnabic to visit the United Arab Emirates and the Federal National Council, which will contribute to strengthening parliamentary communication and developing bilateral relations between the two countries, while Ghobash and His Excellency Ana Brnabic witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the General Secretariat of the Federal National Council and the General Secretariat of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

The memorandum was signed by the Secretary-General of the Federal National Council, Dr. Omar Abdul Rahman Al-Nuaimi, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Vladimir Dimitrijevic.

The memorandum aims to enhance institutional and technical cooperation between the two sides and develop work mechanisms in parliamentary, administrative and technical fields of common interest, thus contributing to raising the efficiency of parliamentary work and exchanging knowledge and institutional expertise.

The memorandum stipulates cooperation in a number of fields, most notably the exchange of parliamentary and legislative information, publications, studies, and research, the exchange of experiences related to the development of digital parliamentary systems and smart services, cooperation in developing databases, libraries, and parliamentary research centers, in addition to the exchange of best practices in managing sessions, committee work, and legislative and technical support.

Areas of cooperation also include exchanging experiences in parliamentary administration, institutional development, governance and strategic planning, cooperation in the areas of protocol and protocol, developing services provided to members, and benefiting from mutual experiences in the fields of institutional innovation, digital transformation and smart services.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides issued a joint final statement between the Federal National Council and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, during which they stressed the importance of continuing to build on the positive momentum witnessed by bilateral relations, and enhancing cooperation in areas of common priority, including trade and investment, energy, food security, infrastructure, logistics services, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainability.

The two sides welcomed the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Serbia, stressing its importance in supporting trade and investment exchange and enhancing the long-term economic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region, as it is a vital region for the global economy, energy security and international supply chains, stressing the importance of reducing tensions and supporting political and diplomatic solutions.

The two sides also stressed the importance of protecting the security of international navigation and vital sea lanes, and ensuring freedom of navigation and international trade, which contributes to protecting global economic stability and international energy security.

The two sides stressed the importance of protecting civilian facilities and vital infrastructure, and rejecting any practices that threaten the security and stability of countries or the safety of vital international corridors.
The meeting was attended by the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, Ahmed Barghash Al Menhali, as well as: Saeed Rashid Al Abdi, Humaid Ahmed Al Tayer, Khalid Omar Al Kharji, Sheikha Saeed Al Kaabi, Aisha Ibrahim Al Marri, and Hilal Muhammad Al Kaabi, members of the Federal National Council, the Secretary General of the Federal National Council Dr. Omar Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, the Assistant Secretary General for Parliamentary Communication Afra Rashid Al Basti, and the Assistant Secretary General for Council Presidency Affairs. Tariq Ahmed Al Marzouqi.