The Republic of Niger celebrated its national day at Expo 2020 Dubai by putting on a great display of song and dance at the Al Wasl Plaza on the 27th of December 2021.
A delegation led by His Excellency, President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, was welcomed by a United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation headed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; alongside Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation,and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
His Excellency, Sheikh Shakhbout welcomed and emphasised that Niger’s participation in the Expo showcases the country’s rich heritage as well as its economic and national priorities, driven by the will of its people.
“Niger’s participation showcases the nation’s rich heritage as well as its economic and national priorities, driven by the will of its people. The pavilion highlights Niger’s perspective on its own advancement and growth, such as its aim to focus on ICT development as a way to stimulate economic development, as well as its advancements in the fields of renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism” he remarked.
Addressing members of the media at Niger’s pavilion, President Bazoum said he appreciates the efforts of government of the United Arab Emirates and the organising committee of the World Expo.
“Given the reputation of the UAE, it is not surprising that 192 countries have participated in Expo 2020 Dubai, and having African nations present at Expo 2020 Dubai is very important and symbolic. It proves the central role of the UAE in the world today,”
“The participation of my country is justified by 3 things: the first is linked to the theme slogan and objectives of this year’s exhibition. The second is our firm belief that any technological development must be based on history and careful observation of the nation and finally the third is the enormous culture and historical wealth of our country,”
The President went to highlight some of the key advancements made in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
“We signed a certain number of Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE today, and we undertook a project that will allow us in a few years to create huge solar photovoltaic plants as a result. I am confident that our cooperation with the UAE in this sector of our economy, as well as in many other sectors, such as agriculture, livestock, and infrastructure, will develop considerably. We are working towards achieving that” concluded the head of state.
Famous Niger singer and songwriter Bombino and his highly energetic band entertained the guest with a true blend of traditional and contemporary music from the West African nation.
Niger’s pavilion can be found in the Mobility District, as it showcases the nation’s key mineral wealth and also providing visitors with an overview of the unique travel attractions of this sub-Saharan republic, filled with ancient caravan cities at the edge of the desert. Chief among those attractions are the Neolithic rock art of the Air Mountains and the dinosaur graveyards hiding beneath the dunes of the Ténéré Desert.
