His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, led his country’s Expo 2020 Dubai National Day celebrations on Sunday (13 March), which included speeches, riveting dance and musical performances.
HE Dr Masisi was welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
HE Dr Masisi said: “This Expo has really set the bar extremely high on how countries’ businesses and organisations should collaborate in their diversity, and exchange knowledge, as well as solutions to build a better world for all. Botswana has benefited immensely from the cultural experience, social and economic exchanges with other countries through cultural displays, music, arts, presentations, and collaborations inspired by none other than the Expo 2020 Dubai theme.
“I am confident that Botswana’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai will cement and expand the scope of our bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates, as we continue to explore new ways of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples. We also recognise the accomplished investment deals that were secured during this Expo.”
HE Sheikh Nahayan said: “Botswana’s participation invites visitors to discover its natural resources, intellectual capital and booming industries. Its pavilion also shows how the country explores new frontiers through forging smart partnerships.
“The UAE is proud to share strong bilateral ties with Botswana, and we hope to expand the framework of our relations by exploring areas for further cooperation in fields of shared interest, such as agribusiness, health, and education, among others.”
A cultural performance by the Botswana Musical Ensemble followed the National Day ceremony in Al Wasl. Focusing on four themes – mining, tourism, innovation and the food of Botswana – the exhilarating celebration provided a powerful show through traditional dance, theatre and contemporary song.
Discussing Botswana’s plans to diversify its economy and transform it into an industrialised country in an interview later today, HE Dr Masisi said: “We want to diversify our economy by getting into other sectors… So, weare looking for foreign direct investors to bring in their unique skills and talents, including technology, to harness the opportunities that present themselves in the agricultural sector and tourism. We present wonderful opportunities in the education sector too. We are young, we are stable, we have got good infrastructure coming in and out and well-educated people.”
Later in the day, the country’s music was again heard in Al Wasl, with a Botswana in the Gardens performance, focused around a fusion of jazz and cultural music.
The Botswana Pavilion, which is located in the Mobility District, houses a wealth of intellectual capital and allows visitors to discover how smart partnerships have helped it explore new frontiers, create the unexpected and accelerate the movement of goods, ideas and wealth. Though modernised, Botswana has a vast and untouched wilderness – alive with flora and fauna. With 20-plus languages, it is a land of diverse cultures, flavours and beliefs.
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.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai invites 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.
