Sheikh Mohammed meets presidents of South Africa and Liberia at Expo 2020 Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday met Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, and George Weah, President of Liberia, who are currently visiting the UAE to participate in their respective countries’ National Day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai.

During a meeting that took place at the South African Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed and President Ramaphosa explored fresh opportunities to expand the already strong economic relations between the UAE and South Africa.

The two leaders deliberated on how they can work together to promote ingenuity and innovation in order to generate creative solutions to resolve challenges confronting humanity.

They also discussed how Expo 2020 Dubai has provided countries across the world opportunities to catalyse collaboration and innovation and create tangible new avenues for business, trade and investment. Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed and the South African President exchanged ideas on fostering greater knowledge-sharing and enhancing cooperation in the areas of education and student scholarships.

Accompanied by the South African President, Sheikh Mohammed went on a tour of the country’s pavilion. His Highness was briefed on South Africa’s achievements and opportunities in the economic, cultural, tourism, technology, creative arts and sporting sectors. Under the theme ‘Think Opportunity. Think South Africa’ the country’s unique pavilion explores the nation’s cosmopolitanism and accomplishments. South Africa’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai also highlights its agriculture and global business services, mining, manufacturing and future-oriented sectors, as well as its unique cultural diversity.

Sheikh Mohammed later met George Weah, President of Liberia, at the country’s Expo 2020 pavilion. Sheikh Mohammed and the Liberian President discussed how the two countries can deepen engagement and cooperation to advance the sustainable economic development agendas of both countries. The two leaders expressed their shared interest in expanding partnerships, especially in the areas of infrastructure and technology development.

Sheikh Mohammed and President Weah went on a tour of Liberia’s Expo 2020 pavilion located in the Opportunity District. Sheikh Mohammed was taken on an immersive journey highlighting Liberia’s breathtaking natural beauty and its untapped potential in agriculture, tourism, the financial sector and infrastructure development. Filled with beautiful woven fabric patterns, the pavilion offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about Liberia’s history and what the future looks like for the West African nation. Under the theme ‘Open and Business-Ready Liberia’ the pavilion also gives visitors insights into the country’s sustainable development strategies and major infrastructure projects.

Later during his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday, Sheikh Mohammed toured the pavilions of Iraq and Tunisia.

At the Iraq pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed was taken on a voyage through the country’s culture, arts, science, literature and folklore. He was briefed about Iraq’s efforts to celebrate its past while striving to create a brighter tomorrow. Featuring the undulating form of a traditional Al Saliya fishing net, symbolic of wealth, wisdom and goodness in Mesopotamian culture, the Iraqi pavilion showcases the country’s rich history and heritage and introduces visitors to leading Iraqi business owners and innovators.

Sheikh Mohammed also toured the Tunisia Pavilion themed ‘Inspiring Youth, Promising Future’, which tells the story of the creativity and resourcefulness of the country’s people. Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the highlights of the pavilion including the country’s touristic and historical attractions and its futuristic vision. The Tunisia pavilion offers visitors a fascinating journey through the country that goes beyond its holiday spots to explore its varied natural beauty including forested coastlines and striking Saharan sand seas.

Marshall Islands marks National Day: The Marshall Islands celebrated its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day on Sunday with calls for further support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a fervent plea for stronger action on climate change.

Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs, welcomed John M Silk, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce, Republic of the Marshall Islands at the event.

Al Shamsi said, “The Marshall Islands’ Pavilion emphasises the vital need for joint action towards tackling the challenges posed by climate change by emphasising the powerful impact of collective action.

“Over the past decade, we have witnessed significant growth in our bilateral ties with the Marshall Islands, and look forward to exploring the potential of enhanced collaborations across various fields of mutual priority, for our collective progress and well-being.”

Silk said, “In agreeing to take on the challenge of setting up our pavilion here in Dubai, we wanted to tell the world our story. Our story is one of resilience, determination, friendship and unity, symbolised by our unique culture and traditions and our advocacy for greater climate ambition at all levels.

“For the Marshall Islands, when we talk about climate change, it means an existential threat. We mean a rising sea level threatens our very existence. This is where the true spirit of the SDGs must be brought to life, leaving no one behind.”

The ceremony was rounded off with two traditional Marshallese dances performed by artists from the Namdrik Atoll, the southernmost rural communities in the Marshall Islands.

Few countries are more acutely aware of the impacts of climate change than the Marshall Islands, which are entirely made up of low-lying atolls - coral deposits on the crater rims of submerged volcanoes - sitting just one metre above sea level.

Based in the Opportunity District, the Marshall Islands Pavilion shows the beauty and history of this island, while flagging the challenges they are facing for the future, putting out a call for action on climate change.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.