Sheikh Abdullah holds talks with leaders of Kosovo and Serbia on official visit

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation discussed ways to bolster security in the Balkans

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, with Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, discussed efforts to bolster security in the Balkans with the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo during an official visit to the region this week.

The Emirati diplomat held key talks with Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti on Tuesday in the capital of Pristina, before meeting Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic in Belgrade on Wednesday.

Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE's support for the recent European-backed agreement between Kosovo and Serbia to normalise ties.

The two nations have been in talks for close to a decade aimed at improving strained relations.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings of President Sheikh Mohamed and called for further progress and prosperity for Kosovo and its people in his meeting with Mr Kurti.

The Kosovan leader relayed similar sentiments in return, stressing the importance of Sheikh Abdullah's visit in strengthening co-operation between the countries.

The two men reviewed issues of mutual concern, including the current political climate in the Balkans and ways to enhance security and stability in the region.

Sheikh Abdullah expressed his delight in making the official visit, which he said was in line with the UAE's commitment to building links with Kosovo and its Balkan neighbours.

Mr Kurti expressed his appreciation over the UAE's support of his country.

Sheikh Abdullah later met Donika Gervalla-Schwarz, Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

Ms Gervalla-Schwarz underlined the significance of the visit in growing co-operation between the countries.

She hailed the UAE's support of Kosovo and highlighted its prominent status on the regional and global stage.

Both meetings were attended by Omar Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy; Saeed Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation; and Nabila Al Shamsi, UAE ambassador to Montenegro and non-resident ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina and to Kosovo.

On Wednesday, Sheikh Abdullah and the Serbian Prime Minister explored ways of enhancing co-operation within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the allies.

They reviewed shared opportunities in several fields, including the economy, trade, investment, renewable energy, culture and education.

Sheikh Abdullah stressed the depth of friendship between the UAE and Serbia, and added that the official visit provided an important impetus to this partnership.

Ms Brnabic welcomed the visit of Sheikh Abdullah and his delegation, while underlining her country's desire to deepen bilateral ties.

Sheikh Abdullah's talks in Kosovo and Serbia followed a working visit to Greece.

He arrived to a guard of honour in Athens, where he held talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Both men stressed their desire to enhance economic co-operation, given that trade between the countries reached $561 million in 2021, a 68 per cent increase on 2020 figures.

They also touched on partnership in the aviation sector, with a focus on increasing the number of direct flights between the UAE and Greece.