Dubai (WAM)
The sisterly Kingdom of Morocco celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, yesterday, in the presence of His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of the Kingdom, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Supreme President and CEO of Emirates Airlines and Group, Chairman of the Supreme Committee to “Expo 2020 Dubai”, and His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and a number of officials.
The celebration began with the flag-raising ceremonies of the two countries, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco, and was interspersed with cultural performances that embodied the authentic Moroccan heritage, in Al Wasl Square, the Moroccan Pavilion and other places at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.
The celebration witnessed several plays, presented by Moroccan pianist Marwan bin Abdullah, in addition to an air show in the sky of the “Expo 2020 Dubai” site, presented by the Moroccan periodical, The Green March.
His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch said, “I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to you for the warm welcome accorded to the Moroccan delegation, and I congratulate the sisterly UAE for its tight organization of this event. Our presence in (Expo) allows us to introduce our ancient heritage and our tourism, cultural and scientific qualifications.”
He added, “Morocco’s participation in (Expo 2020 Dubai) reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to actively contribute to enriching serious dialogue at the regional and international levels for a safer and more stable future for all. Through its participation in (Expo 2020 Dubai), Morocco affirms its desire to contribute to the efforts made to confront global challenges through a vision of sustainable development.”
His Excellency said, “The Kingdom of Morocco has made its pavilion a platform to announce its new identity for investment and export (Morocco Now), which aims to highlight Morocco’s position as an investment and industrial platform in the first place, as a primary destination for foreign investments.”
His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber welcomed His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch and the accompanying Moroccan delegation to their second country, the UAE, and to “Expo 2020 Dubai”, the distinguished global destination, praising the participation of the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco in this international event, expressing his wishes for Morocco’s leadership, government and people, for continued progress and prosperity.
His Excellency stressed that the celebration of the National Day of the Kingdom of Morocco at Expo 2020 Dubai embodies the strength and consolidation of the relations between the two brotherly countries that were laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late King Hassan II, may they rest in peace.
His Excellency said, “Thanks to the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and their brother, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, these relations are moving forward with confidence and optimism towards a future dominated by cooperation in various fields…political, economic, cultural and social.
His Excellency added, “We have many opportunities to build more partnerships and constructive cooperation that contribute to the consolidation of stability, growth and prosperity in the region, and achieve the interest of our two brotherly peoples, as the UAE aims to strengthen its cooperation with Morocco in sectors of mutual interest, including energy and renewable energy. agriculture, industry, mining, tourism, infrastructure, trade and other strategic sectors.
He pointed out that the UAE ranks first among the Arab countries in terms of the highest volume of foreign investment in Morocco, which amounted to about $20 billion in 2020. His Excellency said, “I take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s meaningful participation in (Expo 2020 Dubai), which reflects the strength of relations between the UAE and Morocco.
I also thank the Commissioner-General of Morocco, Her Excellency Mrs. Nadia Fattah Alaoui, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, and her team for Morocco’s wonderful participation in this international event.” He praised the design of the Morocco Pavilion, which combines modernity and ancient traditions, and highlights the opportunities offered by the Kingdom of Morocco, and the elements of sustainability that are in line with Morocco’s strategy: “Green Generation 2020-2030”.
The Morocco pavilion also offers various educational and artistic experiences, to show visitors that it is promoting in an innovative way a country capable of growth through sustainable means, in addition to showcasing the investment and partnership opportunities offered by the Kingdom of Morocco in various sectors, which respond to the creative youth and their aspirations towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
His Excellency said: “More than 1,000 years ago, in the Moroccan city of Fez, Mrs. Fatima Fihri (University of Al-Qarawiyyin), which is the oldest continuous educational institution in the world, was founded. Since the wise leadership in the UAE believes in empowering women, and since this woman is an exceptional woman, we celebrate her and honor her memory in the Women’s Pavilion here at (Expo 2020), as an authentic symbol of the ambition of Arab women who are eager to raise generations, and equip them with science and knowledge. His Excellency added: “We are all confident in the strength of the bilateral relations between our two countries, and our determination to develop and strengthen them.”
old City
After the ceremony in Al Wasl Square, the delegation headed to the Morocco pavilion, before heading to the UAE pavilion, where the Moroccan delegation toured the pavilion accompanied by a high-ranking Emirati delegation, during which His Excellency Aziz Akhannouch got acquainted with the pavilion and signed the VIP guest book. Morocco’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is the largest of its kind to be built at the level of Moroccan participation in various international exhibitions. The interior design of the pavilion mimics the alleys of the old city, and includes distinct scenes that allow visitors to see the diversity of the ecosystem in Morocco. The pavilion looks like a living entity, as its design was inspired by the villages of the Kingdom. It is noteworthy that the National Days and Honorary Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are distinguished occasions to celebrate all the more than 200 international participants, where their culture and achievements are highlighted, and their pavilions and programs are displayed. The celebration of each of these national and honorary days includes a flag-raising ceremonies on the Platform of Nations at Al Wasl Square, followed by speeches and cultural performances.
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