First off, Zaric extended her deepest condolences on the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President’s brother.

Jelena Zaric Kovacevic stressed how grateful she was for the opportunity for the National Assembly, that is its PFG with the UAE, to extensively cooperate with Ambassador Mubarak Al Dhaheri during his mandate.

She went on to say that she was sad to see the Ambassador leave Serbia, adding that the country had made a true friend and expressing her firm belief that he would continue to support the development of our friendly relations in any future office he may hold.

She informed him that the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Emirates has 42 members, a clear sign of the MPs’ willingness and openness to build good and friendly relations between the two nations.

She was especially grateful to the UAE Embassy, which has, in cooperation with UAE humanitarian organisations, donated funds and participated in several humanitarian projects, such as equipping the premises of the preschool group at the "Milan Rakic" Elementary School in Popovac; renovation of the Elementary School in Gornja Studena, "Nadezda Petrovic" Elementary School in the community of Ostrovica in Niska Banja; adaptation of the elementary school in Nis and the adaptation of the Health Centre in Kikinda at the initiative of the PFG with UAE.

She also spoke about the video meeting between the members of the two parliaments’ friendship groups, stressing that it was the first video meeting between the PFG members which the National Assembly had organised with any parliament in the world.

Speaking of bilateral relations, she noted that during the Ambassador's mandate, the political dialogue and economic cooperation had reached their peak. She reminded the Ambassador that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries was signed last year, which represents the pinnacle of the development of bilateral relations. She also pointed to the excellent relations between the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic and the President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Ambassador Mubarak Al Dhaheri was grateful for the cooperation he had enjoyed in the past five years with the National Assembly, the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the people of Serbia. He stated that it was a great honour for him that his first diplomatic mission was in Serbia.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the fact that during his mandate, the overall cooperation had reached a historical maximum, further evidenced by the 28 signed agreements, as well as the reciprocal visits of high officials.

He informed the Head of the PFG with the UAE about the political situation in his country and the coming parliamentary elections planned for September of this year, expressing the expectation that the newly-appointed Ambassador would become familiar with the activities of the PFG with the UAE and further expand cooperation.

He also expressed the hope that our delegation would take part in the upcoming climate conference COP 28, which will be hosted by the UAE, and Zaric Kovacevic said that, as before, the delegation will gladly accept the invitation. The Head of the PFG with the UAE Jelena Zaric Kovacevic stressed that COP 28 will be an exceptional platform where world leaders will exchange experiences and concrete solutions, and that our two countries will be able to further their cooperation in the field of climate change and energy transition as well.