Sharjah24 - WAM: Somalia celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai yesterday with a flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza and a colourful cultural performance by the Somali Student Dance Troupe.
Saleh Saif Al Shehhi, Deputy Director of the Department of Arab Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, welcomed Ahmed Daahir Mohamed, Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Arab Emirates, at the event.
Al Shehhi said, "Somalia’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai demonstrates its competitive advantages in terms of its natural resources and young population, while also showcasing unlimited opportunities for foreign direct investment, tourism and innovations in several fields, particularly renewable energy.
"We in the UAE always aspire to expand our cooperation with friendly nations in order to achieve common interests. Through the opportunities that Expo 2020 Dubai provides, we hope to strengthen our partnerships with Somalia across different domains, for our mutual benefit."
Ahmed Daahir Mohamed said, "We welcome you to visit the Somalia Pavilion in the Opportunity District at Expo 2020 Dubai, held under the theme ‘Unlocking Opportunities’, in which we showcase our rich history and ancient civilisation, our strategic location and human capital, our rich natural resources, our extraordinary culture, our growing economy and livestock, and untapped renewable energy sources.
"The Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Arab Emirates share unique, historic and enduring relations between their people and governments, shaped by fraternity, cooperation, a common history and resilient societies. The purpose of this day is to reinforce this long-standing relation between our two brotherly countries."
The National Day celebrations were marked with a flag-raising ceremony that saw the national anthems of Somalia and the UAE played in Al Wasl Plaza and a vibrant musical performance by the Somali Student Dance Troupe.
The cultural performance, by a group of Somali students living in the UAE, presented the country’s rich musical heritage, based on traditional Somali folklore. As an oral society, Somali traditions are narrated through stories from one generation to another through dance and poetry. The traditional dances performed celebrate the cultural roots of Somalis, their way of life, history and civilisation.
Located in the Opportunity District, the Somalia Pavilion shows how opportunity is at the core of human development and growth, focused on building a better future through their people and natural resources. Visitors can explore the country from the ancient civilisation through to today’s culture.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo 2020 Dubai’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
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