On July 16, 2025, Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church received Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Committee on Defense, Internal, and Foreign Affairs of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates and a prominent educational leader, at the Patriarchal Court in Belgrade.
Warmly welcoming the distinguished guest, the Patriarch emphasized that the Serbian Orthodox Church strives to be a bridge connecting diverse peoples and religious communities. He expressed joy at the meeting, noting that such encounters contribute to mutual understanding, peace, and respect.
Dr. Al Nuaimi highlighted the importance of enriching and intensifying the already positive relations the Serbian Orthodox Church maintains with Islamic communities in countries where the Serbian Church canonically operates. He praised Serbia as an example of a society where believers of different faiths live together in harmony.
The Patriarch explained the Church’s approach to neighbors of other faiths by adhering to the Gospel principle: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). He reaffirmed readiness to strengthen cooperation, interfaith dialogue, and mutual commitment to preserving peace.
The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Theodosije of Raška-Prizren and Archpriest Đorđe Stojisavljević, Head of the Serbian Patriarch’s Office.
