Chile celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, Saturday, with a flag-raising ceremony and the playing of the national anthems of the UAE and Chile.
The official speeches emphasized the strengthening of relations between the two countries, and the importance of participating in the international event.
Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, Executive Director of the Office of the Commissioner General at Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed Rodrigo Yáñez Benítez, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Chile, upon his arrival at the ceremony site.
Najeeb Muhammad Al-Ali said: “Chile, through its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, invites visitors to explore its tangible technical progress, especially in light of the developments that followed the pandemic, in addition to the global sustainability solutions it offers, and its vital role as a hub for innovation in Latin America.” “.
He added, “We have exceptional bilateral relations with Chile, and we look forward to expanding this relationship further across various fields, especially in light of the open economy, diversified resources and attractive investment environment available in Chile.”
Rodrigo Yanez Benitez noted that the Chile Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai presented the best of Chilean gastronomy, innovation and the arts to hundreds of thousands of visitors.
He said, “More than 100 Chilean companies have held business meetings at the Chile Pavilion, which could lead to business deals worth over US$30 million. The unique opportunity that the UAE has given my country to participate in this Expo 2020, has allowed us to show the world From Dubai, how Chile can help shape the future.
Following the official speeches, Chilean musicians and dancers concluded the concert in Al Wasl Square with exhilarating performances, including the national dance “La Coica”, singing and playing guitar.
Sergio Catalan and Vicente Allende, along with musician Hani Gail on the oud, take the audience on a journey through Chile by playing traditional folk songs, and a unique translation of Violetta Parra’s original poem, “Gracias a la Vida”, added an Arabic touch, While dancers Martina Cancio and Francisco Bolivar performed live.
The Chile Pavilion is located in the Mobility Zone, and showcases Chile’s geographic diversity with desert, mountains, glaciers, and coastal areas. Innovative technological developments, sustainability solutions and food security are key themes.
Traditional Chilean cuisine is served in the pavilion’s restaurant, where the different terrain and climates allow Chile to produce the finest and most useful food.
The National Days and Honorary Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are distinguished times to celebrate all the more than 200 international participants, to highlight their culture, achievements, and showcase their pavilions and programmes.
Each of these patriotic and honorary days includes a flag-raising ceremonies at the Nations Platform in Al Wasl Square, followed by official speeches and cultural performances.
Expo 2020 Dubai will be held until March 31, 2022, and invites visitors from all over the world to create a new world together, in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.