The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Serbia held the first round of political consultations in Belgrade, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The meeting was co-chaired by Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Minister of State, and Marko Đurić, Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Discussions emphasized the growing depth of their bilateral partnership, which has been reinforced through reciprocal high-level visits including those between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Serbian leader Aleksandar Vučić. Officials from both sides also addressed prospects for closer coordination on international matters.
According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, the delegations explored opportunities to expand ties in technology, trade and investment, energy, defense and cultural cooperation. The consultations marked the two-year anniversary of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, whose positive effects on economic activity the two sides reviewed in detail. Serbia’s Ministry of Trade data shows that bilateral goods exchange in the first half of 2026 reached $70.5 million, reflecting a 28.9 percent rise from the comparable period a year earlier.
The two delegations examined recent political and security developments in Europe and the Middle East, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Both countries stressed the role of dialogue and diplomacy in fostering peace, stability and sustainable development. They voiced support for peaceful conflict resolution and greater collaboration within the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
Preparations for Expo 2027 Belgrade received particular attention during the talks, with the UAE confirming its participation in the specialized exhibition. Serbian officials welcomed the UAE’s extensive experience in hosting major global events, which they said would benefit the upcoming fair. This involvement is expected to further strengthen cultural and economic links between the two nations in the years ahead.
The inaugural consultations follow the memorandum of understanding on political dialogue signed in December 2025 by UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Marko Đurić, according to UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs records. That framework formalized regular exchanges between the two foreign ministries and built upon an established strategic partnership. The UAE has become a notable investor in Serbian agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure projects over the past decade.
Observatory of Economic Complexity figures place Serbia’s exports to the UAE at $73.2 million in 2024, dominated by sawn wood, apples and pears, and rolled tobacco, while UAE shipments to Serbia totaled $43.5 million, led by raw aluminium and refined petroleum. The economic partnership agreement that took effect in 2025 is designed to eliminate tariffs on the majority of traded goods and services. Both delegations expressed confidence that the new political consultation mechanism would accelerate identification of additional mutually beneficial initiatives.
