DUBAI, – Traditional folk songs fused with contemporary arrangements filled the air around the Al Wasl dome on Saturday as Expo 2020 Dubai celebrated Latvia National Day in the presence of His Excellency Egils Levits, President of the Republic of Latvia.
The President and government ministers were welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
President Levits said: “At first glance, my country, Latvia, over 4,000km to the north, seems worlds apart from the Gulf. In fact, as this Expo is meant to demonstrate, we all share the same fate. We recognised that we all must take better care of our planet, to deliver better prospects, greater quality of life for our peoples, and to create a fairer, more liveable, more promising world for all.
“We welcome the open invitation from the UAE to the world for partnership to find solutions that will tackle climate change and create sustainable economic growth with social impact.”
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan said: “The Latvia Pavilion underlines the country’s innovative spirit and highlights the various fields in which it has excelled, such as information and communication technologies, pharmaceuticals, and transport and logistics, among others.
“Latvia’s entrepreneurial spirit, its message of openness, and its emphasis on the importance of collaboration towards creating a better future for us all, has brought Expo 2020 Dubai to life under the theme ‘Connecting the Unconnectable’. Through Latvia’s successful participation at Expo 2020, we look forward to building bridges that will enhance the cultural, economic and knowledge exchanges between our nations.”
An enchanting cultural performance by a Latvian troupe entertained guests and spectators, featuring singers Asnate Rancane, Aurelija Rancane and Intars Busulis, accompanied by the Latvia Expo Band. The highlight was the performance of an Arabic song by the Latvian singers in honour of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
The singers gave another concert at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, while President Levits also opened a business forum, which included a panel discussion with Latvian entrepreneurs and UAE businesses.
Addressing media briefing at the Latvia Pavilion, the President said: “Latvia is open to investments from the UAE. Why invest in Latvia? Well, we are an EU member country; we are flexible; and we have the best legal framework to protect investors. We are a stable country. As the UAE is interested in technology, I would like to stress that we have start-ups that have developed many hi-tech products and solutions, some of which are displayed at our pavilion. I believe it would be in the interest of both countries to explore technological cooperation.”
Located in the Opportunity District, the Latvia Pavilion presents visitors with an audio-visual experience centred around nature and features a gallery of Latvia’s brightest minds, as well as opportunities for new ideas and cooperation.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
