Dubai, UAE, 29th October 2021: The President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan was the guest of honour at the National Day of Seychelles ceremony at Expo 2020 held yesterday at the Al Wasl – Stage of Nation, in Dubai, UAE. The Expo 2020 is having the participation of 192 countries being held under the theme, "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future".
In his official speech at the ceremony, the Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde said that the Expo 2020 is the right platform where countries are being given the opportunity to showcase what they have to offer to the rest of the world.
“Expo 2021 is the absolute epitome of this new global interconnectivity where over 190 countries have assembled to showcase their national brand and, also, the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration that, together, will allow us to address the present and future needs of our volatile planet,” said the Minister.
He continued, “Expo 2021, provided we make full use of its unique potential for achieving unprecedented global outreach and levels of cooperation, is effectively a one-stop-shop for planetary solutions: the one time and place to find international shakers and movers, innovators, thinkers and doers in one location.”
In regards to Seychelles’ participation at the Expo 2020, Minister Radegonde hopes that this event will inspire, motivate and renewed sense of commitment to all concerned in the Seychelles’ determination to safeguard the extraordinary legacy of our islands for future generations.
“The concept for this Expo is very much in line with our country’s conservation roadmap and vision for the future. Furthermore, like all the other participating nations, Seychelles has created a miniature version of our country in a pavilion that provides us with a 6-month international platform upon which to raise the profile of our islands as an attractive tourism destination possessing a grand diversity of 115 islands; a vibrant culture born of diverse ethnicity; spectacular flora and fauna; many of the world’s top beaches; a world-class choice of accommodation options to suit every budget and a raft of enticing attractions and activities. I particularly hope that you, as guests at our pavilion, will have the chance to have a taste of our unique island lifestyle and outlook that remain such a magnet, attracting visitors from across the globe,” said Minister Radegonde.
Also addressing the guests for the event was the Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, His Excellency Sheik Nahyan Bin Mabarak Al-Nahyan who expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Seychelles for the excellent longstanding friendly relations.
The President accompanied by the Seychelles and UAE Delegation was then given a guided tour of the Seychelles’ pavilion which is promoting the Seychelles Island’s theme, “Treasure Nature, Preserve Paradise” featuring a sustainability pavilion in the world event which started on October 1 and ends March 31, 2022. He then proceeded to the UAE Pavilion which architectural design is meant to evoke the wings of a falcon in flight, have multiple exhibition areas, an auditorium, food and beverage outlets, VIP lounges and back of house support spaces accommodated over 4 floors.
Before departing the Expo2020 site in his message for in official guestbook, the President wrote: ”Thank you to the UAE for such a warm welcome and great hospitality. Thank you for Expo2020 and the enormous opportunities offered to the Seychelles. We truly appreciate the friendship and the investment opportunities being offered to us. Let us continue to solidify the existing bonds of friendship as we seek greater opportunities of cooperation. Long live the UAE-Seychelles friendship”
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