Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivan Mrkic talked today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is on a two-day official visit to Serbia.

The main topics of the talk were the development of political dialogue, opening new opportunities for further deepening of the cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, prospects for further economic cooperation, and also international issues of importance to the two countries.

The two Foreign Ministers, apart from reviewing the activities carried out in the previous period, discussed the new joint projects, cooperation in agriculture, air transport, energy, ICT, infrastructure, tourism, as well as in many other areas.

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Serbia Mrkic pointed out that a number of UAE investments in the Serbian economy were realized or agreed in the last year, that the two countries signed important intergovernmental agreements, that the Republic of Serbia established its diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi and that the United Arab Emirates are soon expected to do the same in Belgrade.

Minister Mrkic conveyed gratitude to his colleague for the loan of one billion dollars approved by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on most favourable terms to the Republic of Serbia, as well as for additional financial support to the activities of the Republic of Serbia in the Gulf region in an effort to ensure its best possible positioning.

The Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasized in particular his satisfaction with the partnership of the two countries.

The UAE Minister emphasized a special interest of his country to cooperate on infrastructure and agriculture projects.

After the talks they signed the Agreement on Air Transport, Agreement on exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official/special passports and the Agreement on the Establishment of the Joint Committee for Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

The members of the two delegations, headed by the Ministers, continued consultations during a working lunch.

It was agreed to commence the procedure of visa liberalization for all citizens of Serbia.

The visit of the UAE Minister is a confirmation of the friendship and partnership existing between the two countries and is being realized at a time of significant improvement of their bilateral cooperation.

The Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed was received by the President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic and Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, and also spoke with Minister of Defence Nebojsa Rodic.