Minister Hrapović pays official visit to United Arab Emirates

Minister of Health Kenan Hrapović paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates and on that occasion he visited the Arab Health Medical Exhibition, which was held in Dubai.

During the visit, Minister Hrapović met with the Minister of Health of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, when they emphasised the importance of friendship and the existing cooperation between the two countries. They also agreed that Montenegro is a country of an exceptional natural resources, an attractive tourist destination and a rich country in terms of economic circumstances.

Minister Hrapović said that the UAE are a good example of long-term and sustainable economic development, which should be the path that Montenegro follows. He also said that the investments of the renowned companies and institutional investors from the UAE, especially in the field of tourism and agriculture, are important for the present and for the future of Montenegro. The intention is that the UAE recognise Montenegro as a strategic partner in other areas, such as healthcare, Mr Hrapović stressed.

The provision of rehabilitation services to the UAE citizens in the Institute „Dr Simo Milošević“ in Igalo may be an example of possible improvement of cooperation between the two countries and perhaps an incentive for future investments, he noted.

„The Institute in Igalo already has a long-standing practice and tradition, it has an international reputation and is one of the largest spas in Europe. This institution has an equipped accommodation and therapeutic capacities, but its greatest potential is highly qualified medical staff that counts over 300 employees“, Mr Hrapović said.

Mr Hrapović rated the establishment of direct air service between the UAE and Montenegro at the beginning of the summer as particularly important, as it will contribute to the intensification of business contacts between the two countries, but also enable a faster and easier way for all patients from the UAE.

Minister Al Owais noted that the previous cooperation represents a quality basis for its further strengthening, and that the Government of the UAE is interested in resources that Montenegro has, when it comes to the health tourism and rehabilitation. It was agreed that the representatives of the UAE Ministry of Health visit Montenegro and directly convince of the Institute's potentials and investments opportunities.

During a visit to the Exhibition, Mr Hrapović held a meetings with the Director General of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, Prof. Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, as well as Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, Humaid Al Qatami. They discussed the exchange of experience and solving challenges in the area of prevention, financial sustainability, human resources and public health. Special emphasis was put on establishing cooperation in the field of rehabilitation, respectively sending patients from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Montenegro on rehabilitation treatment over the health authorities of the two Emirates.